Emeralds – “Does It Look Like I’m Here?” – [Editions Mego]

Laethaka   2/21/2012   A Library, CD

Emeralds goes almost unbearably pleasant in this 2010 release, and I mean that in the best way. Tracks 1-4 are mediated, rhythmic glides into the 12 minute ecstasy of #5. #5 is one of the most gratifying songs I’ve ever heard. A flood of electronics will sweep you away while watery guitars cleanse your soul and slowly let you down into the rest of the album, which continues to whir and play with total excellence except a couple broods around & in #10.

This is Emeralds’ newest album, and Mark McGuire recently interviewed saying, “we use our solo projects to accent our individual voices in the band and to introduce ideas that may not fall into place with the vision we have of Emeralds at that time.” One of his solo CDs and a Steve Hauschildt 12″ are in A, awaiting your quivering touch.