1000 Miles From Home – Collusion / 2007 Wrong Way / 6 Tracks / http://www.1000milesfromhome.com / Reviewed 20 March 2007

“Explain the Explanation” is a track that recalls the emo rock that was created by the acts on the Deep Elm label circa 2000. There is a heavy focus on the instrumentation and the overall soundscape of the track. This is done before introducing the vocals to the track. While this process only last about twenty seconds, the results are great; the band feels very well rooted and can easy move to a more energetic and frenzied state when they get to the chorus. And the chorus, the chorus is something that individuals can easily sing along to, even if the vocals present during the track are still softly spoken, a nod to the prior instrumentation.

Even though there is not much in the way of direct musical comparison, there seems to be some tie stylistically to the intensity created by bands like Fear Factory. Musically, there are hints to Desert City Soundtrack, Appleseed Cast, and later Face to Face (think of a more emotional version of “Disconnected”. The band is even able to add a shrill guitar solo to the track that links together the two distinct parts of the track. There is simply something for everyone here, and this is a perfect continuation of the opening of the disc. The opening track of the disc is “The Man”, and 1000 Miles From Home were able to create this distinct yet familiar sound by including a P.O.D.-like drum opening to the track.

This continuation of instrumental before vocal is perhaps the one thing that shows the band’s maturity. While it only takes a few seconds before the vocals kick in, the installation of this framework gives listeners something to go off of, and contextualizes the vocals. The ability of 1000 Miles From Home in creating a style that works so well in the pre-2000 period while still using styles and approaches that are cutting-edge is yet another testament to their ability as a band. This may just be a six-song EP, but the fact that there is so much to hear during the album and that the album itself holds a high level of replay should bode well for any full-lengths that 1000 Miles From Home may release in the next few years. Make sure to dig out a copy of this EP or see the band live; it should be only a matter of time before they will be able to make the jump to the next level and be known equally well through all fifty states in the Union.

Top Track: Betrayal

Rating: 6.5/10

[JMcQ]