The Epochs are a band of contrast. On one end, they’re a carefree and lighthearted pop group, with melodies that stick around for days and days. On the other, they’re an extremely heavy band, pounding out progressive pop tracks that speak as much of Radiohead and Muse as they do of Semisonic and Cold War Kids. Pianos and keyboards dominate the Seattle band’s self-titled album, bleaching the musical atmosphere with vibrant, blinding hues. “Thunder & Lightning” is death by 88 keys. “Opposite Sides” is cuddling by neon light. Standout track “Love Complete” is like a Tears For Fears single filtered through the glitchy pop of The Notwist or The Books, which is to say it’s a sophisticated and no doubt catchy tune. Strangely enough, the melody sounds something like Sebadoh’s “License to Confuse,” though the arrangement, and fidelity for that matter, couldn’t be further from Lou Barlow’s 4-track nuggets. The Epochs aren’t bringing pop into the future; they’re cramming the future into pop.
--Jeff Terich
