Well, this is interesting...

I try not to write about stuff before I...write about it.

Wow, that didn't come out right.

Let's try again.

I try not to write about stuff that I plan on writing about before i write about it.

No, that's no less balky. But the sentiment is there.

I fear writing about an album before I get a chance to write a real honest to goodness review of it, but there have been a few times where I've kinda had to. One of them was for Robin Taylor's Soundwall release from a few months back. I can't think of very many other circumstances where an album has impressed to the point that I feel a need to write about it before I post my actual review.

I suppose by now you can guess that just such an event has occurred. And you'd be right.

The band is called Hour of the Shipwreck. The album is called The Hour is Upon Us. And while I can think of a few bands I'd use as launch points to describe what they sound like, in the end I can say that this is really not much like anything else I have in my collection, and that is one of the best things I can say about any band.

Of course, sounding like nothing else can be a curse as much as a boon. I mentioned touch points, and for this band, I'd maybe pick the Pax Cecilia, Sleepytime Gorilla Museum and/or The Ascent of Everest. There's a decided post-rock/4AD feel to these guys (and girl), but make no mistake...this is emotional progressive rock at its most original. Vocals are theatrical, music and arrangements are dramatic and filled with twists and turns. The packaging is dark and evocative. There may not be powerhouse showcases of individual instrumental virtuosity, but in exchange you are treated to seven tightly composed and performed tracks, all of which meld together to create an impressive listening experience.

Check them out here.

Or here (where you can listen to two tracks for free).

And look for my review of the album in the next week or so.