Review Summary: Retro review of early alternative genre definitive album. Really consistent with strong all around performances.
I used to spend a lot of time with this and their second release (Scenery and Fish, their other solid album) in my player and it still gets some good playtime. Edwin does a fine job here on vocals and the lyrics blend real smooth to the grooves and rhythm in the music. Edwin I feel was almost the backbone of the bands sound although Jag (On guitar) was reported to being the main songwriter. By Edwin's departure after “Scenery and Fish” the band declines into more and more stale material and eventually stalls out. Also note that Edwin later failed in his solo career as a lyricist and songwriter and never sounded as strong as when he was with "I Mother Earth". His time with IME showcases his full vocal range of highs, lows and some stylish wailing.
The music here stands up better for relistens and has aged well unlike quite a few of their alternative contemporaries. What stands out particularly well where other contemporaries fail is that instrumentally the songs are experimental, psychedelic, progressive, performed well and just plain interesting. Primarily the songs are all catchy and well written here.
The stand out tracks/singles for a new listener on this disc are “Levitate", "Rain will Fall", "So Gently We Go", "Not Quite Sonic", and "No One”. They click instantly and fit right into the time at which the genre was popular.
Where they really shine after spending some time with the album is the remainder, where the songs you were never going to here on the radio (although they never justifiably got much radio play anyways being a Canadian band) get the chance to branch out the territory. “Production", "Lost My America", "Undone", and "Basketball” all feature changing styles. By the end of the album when we get to “And the Experience" and "The Universe in You” which move to epic listening territory with time changes and alot more talented instrumental work.
In fact the album features pretty outstanding performances on guitar including typical, intricate, and at times genius riffing with moody soloing. The bass work is always present and sets the stage. Drumming here is prominent and very strong through out. There is also some nice keyboard work in a few tracks.
The only off track here is “The mothers” but it serves its purpose here as a decent enough opener. Expect the unexpected and discover how unique this album is.
