The Gonzaga Bulletin reviews The Myriad's new EP Category: RAWK This article has been read: 742 times. by Andrew Lasseter I picked up The Myriad's self-titled debut album, a couple days ago, and I must say I wasn't disappointed. The up-and-coming Seattle band brings an original sound to the table matched with good lyrics and a better voice. Listeners will be glad to find that it's loaded with energy and enthusiasm, yet it delivers a sound polished enough to deflect lasers. While those who have gone before have come near the target, The Myriad hits the bull's-eye; the result is something indie-rock's elder statesmen should take notice of. Fans should check out the confident album opener "The Big Screen," a complete modern-meets-early-Radiohead. The track encapsulates what is to come on the rest of the The Myriad, while remaining strong enough to stand alone. Though the theme of the song is rather unclear, the beat resonates with a sound of its own. The album continues the Radiohead vibe established with "The Big Screen," but washes the harmonies through some feedback and somewhat noticeable production, creating a slight static that may be a bit confusing at times. You can hear bits and pieces of some classic U2 titles, as well as the ever-popular '90s band Oasis. The result is innovative, but familiar. The key in this sense is the talent that is inherently presented in The Myriad. If the band were merely imitating, the album wouldn't maintain the constistency it has managed to preserve so well. Other tracks, two in particular - "Tethered" and "Godray" - find the band rejecting potential relationships. Lines like "I'm pulling away" effectively represent this theme. Confidence is where The Myriad truly shines, and here we find an indie-rock band that is actually coming up with creative lyrics to express such a timeless subject, rather than howl at the moon over a lost love. The momentum smoothly winds down with "We Will Be Disappointed Together," a U2-esque track that provides enough variety to keep the listener's attention throughout the length of the entire six-minute song. Though The Myriad has only four tracks, the band's new album, "Lucia's Grey Dot" (sic - "Self Titled") was released and also available at their recent performance at The Big Dipper on Sept. 24. The Myriad provides few lyrical surprises, yet I found that what's here is better than most of the tripe out there in radio land. In particular, I enjoyed the "I'm calculated, I'm calibrated" passage in "The Big Screen," and the "Just one look..." chorus of "Tethered." The language flows in such an assertive and well timed manner, it's apparent The Myriad takes more time on song structure than your average fly-by-night indie-rock operation. At first glance, The Myriad may seem like just another bunch of guys trying to cash in on the alternative rock scene's recent comeback. The Myriad has dutifully proven that they're worth a second, third and even fourth look. They didn't disappoint me, and I'm sure they won't disappoint you either. Posted by: rawkmandale - October 1st, 2004 Back to News Articles View Articles From RAWK Category