Bright Eyes
"There is No Beginning to the Story"
(Saddle Creek)

Bright Eyes return with another brilliant EP full of heartache, neurosis and hope. Depending on what format you buy you either get four (CD) or six (vinyl) songs. The lyrics are more of the same- wordy and discomforting- but the new production is outstanding, and eliminates the feeling that the songs could fall apart at any moment. There are also other new surprises such as guest appearances by Simon Joyner (vocals) and Orenda Fink of Azure Ray who lends vocals and trumpet. 'We Are All Free Men,' is the first time Conor shares lead vocals with another singer, and it works excellently. The most intriguing song of the bunch is 'Loose Leaves,' backed by fuzzed-out electric piano and shambolic drumming. We get more of those" take pills get drunk and miss the carefree reckless days of our youth" lyrics that make Bright Eyes so easily identifiable. The vinyl features another original, 'Amy in the White Coat,' a depressing horror story about sexual abuse and incest, and a live cover of Neil Young's 'Out on the Weekend.'

-Dan