The latest four-song EP from the mighty Neurosis is a step into more of a left field direction. The overwhelming epic intensity of the band's last opus "Times of Grace" was seriously tampered by a new tonality, which may have been a result of the band's continuous side experimentations such as Tribes of Neurot. While still possessing the trademark ominous Neurosis atmosphere, the band's tension and urgency has been penetrated with a more cold and psychedelic feeling of vastness and desolation, which is especially evident on the first two tracks "Prayer" and "An Offering." The third song "Flood" is an instrumental which combines percussion with some keyboards and samples manipulation to achieve the effect of eerie, foreboding stillness. The closing title track is where Neurosis flex their muscles much harder, yet the same psychedelic thread is still very clearly felt all throughout it. These four songs were recorded right after the "Times of Grace" sessions and rather serve as a teaser for the next album, where the band will fully unleash what they are up to. As a bonus, the CD contains multimedia enhancement with strange visuals and sound effects.

© 2001 boris