So it's probably pretty common knowledge amongst those of the Circle that I'm pretty into eluvium, so it's kind of bizarre that I am not such a fan of his latest. I would provide a download link if I was more internet savvy, but I'm sure modern people such as yourselves can hunt one down.

Temporary Residence have been raving about how it's step in a more conventional (far less soundscapey, way more song-like) direction is a brave and interesting move for an 'experimental musician' and I agree. It's the first release featuring vocals and percussion- and that's exactly what it sounds like. The singing is wavering and unsure, and the percussion doesn't fill the 'ambient' role he's seeming to try to achieve. Too loud, too jarring.

There's definitely a far bigger pallette of sound- Less fake strings and familiar patches, and his piano playing is still magnificent. I like his new textures, but the delivery? Not so much.

I think if future releases continue the trend, they might be better once they're less tentative sounding (Maybe ending up something like Jesu?) but Similes comes across awkward. Worth hearing as, but doesn't top his last release, 'Miniatures'.

What say you, friends?

http://www.mediafire.com/?5navjomtwzg

I really liked it on first listen! Wasn't really thinking of it as Eluvium which might help. That last track is choyyyyyyyyysssss

Man, I gave it several more listens and I'm still not feeling it! The vocals really don't do it for me.

Bro, I think you need to go and see a doctor about this.

Woah am I really the only dude who doesn't dig this album? Does no one else percieve the jarring awkward songwriting? I still love what he's doing, but how he's doing it sounds really tentative and basic and underdeveloped.