from Southeastern Performer:
by Michael Aguilar
At first listen, the Enrichment Center Percussion Ensemble's third album, Ten Songs, seems like nothing more than a relatively random collection of simplistic indie-rock instrumentations coupled with some homage to the band's favorite singers and songwriters. However, upon further inspection, a new appreciation and understanding for the album can be gained. Most importantly is a second or even third listen to the album. While every album needs a second or third listen to be fully appreciated, this album seemingly achieves more and more after each and every listen. Another travel through the album reveals more layers to the seemingly unending attention to detail that has been paid to many different aspects of ECPE's music. The mixing, done by Mitch Easter, brings forth the group's unbelievable devotion to the idea of harmony and unity. Each of the seven instrumental songs on the album strongly conveys an emotion or theme and flows with an ease that is sorely missed in most indie productions. That ease and intricacy comes forth perhaps most triumphantly on the nearly eight minute journey of "Parallax II." The sixth track teeters on psychedelic rock, but also owns a compelling structure that is difficult to find elsewhere. Written by the group's director, Aaron Bachelder, "Parallax II" virtually embodies the nuances that dance throughout the album both musically and in production value. Ten Songs takes a different approach to the music scene and it pays off. Instead of focusing on catchy harmonies or lyrics that delve deep into the human psyche, ECPE has put out an album that pleasantly wanders to the more simple side of music while delving into something that is so much more complicated. The harmony and technical quality of Ten Songs is an achievement indeed.