‘The Grey’ is the latest release from Portland, Oregon’s dark/folk metalers Agalloch. While on tour in early 2004 the band was selling this (limited edition of 1000 copies) EP, which features two new tracks. The first song is a reworked version of the song ‘The Lodge’ that originally appeared on the bands second full length album ‘The Mantle’ back in 2002. The other track is a remix of ‘Odal’ by Jason William Walton (Bass guitar) under his other band ‘Nothing.’
This reworked version of ‘The Lodge’ is really something completely different for the band as it's in more of a post rock like vein. This version doesn’t seem to bear too many similarities to the original since it’s a lot faster, and about eight minutes longer. Not to mention this version has only electric guitar and fast drumming, whereas the original was mostly acoustic guitar and had only some light percussion in the background. Overall it’s really quite a pleasing song, and as I understand it the band played this version a lot while on tour. This song also marks the first appearance of new drummer C. Greene, who will be the bands full time drummer from here on relieving John Haughm of his old duties behind the drum kit.
Nothing’s remix of ‘Odal’ to me doesn’t really sound anything quite like the original song, as this version is more dark ambient/noise-like sounding. It’s very atmospheric and ominous, yet it’s an interesting piece. I wonder if we can expect the next full-length album from Nothing to sound like this?
On the whole this is an interesting EP that shows a completely new side to this fantastic band. This may not be something for the casual Agalloch fan, but if you’re like me and you’ve been obsessed with the band since their debut album then I would advise you to hurry up and find a copy of this EP.
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