“Where We Began” drips with hooks from the opening vocals which sing out “I love my country, I wouldn’t want to live anywhere else…” to the slick chord progression during the chorus. Everything works together so well you don’t really get a chance to question whether you like it or not before you’ve already started singing along.

Both “My Rhythm” and “Circus Song” start off fairly generically but once they get going there is a lot to sink your teeth into. “My Rhythm” dives into the urge to move to the music and provides a dancier chorus with help from the high-hats. “Circus Song” on the other hand is slightly bouncier while encourages others to sing along.

Often with smaller bands comes smaller sound quality but fear not, the quality is excellent and no reason to stay away. Besides the opening track was usually the only one that got skipped and although not bad, it just has less of a hold than other tracks on the record. There is very little for skeptics to grab hold of and complain about which is rare for a debut release.

With style and substance way above the bar, The Galley have what it takes to break out. Get in before the crowds do, because you aren’t going to want to miss this record.

The Gallery on myspace

I was actually really impressed when I pulled up the band’s Myspace and “Where We Began” came up and started playing. I didn’t even have a chance to question if I liked the music, it just clicked.

The track listing for the album is below.

Track Listing:
1. Drift
2. Consider This
3. Where We Began
4. Kingdoms
5. The Introduction
6. Surroundings
7. My Rhythm
8. Circus Song
9. The Lonely Disease
10. If You Know What I Mean

The album was released in November of 2004 and even though it was so late in the year it still made my top 10 list. The songs are mature, catchy, and flow perfectly in their order. Some of the best tracks include “This Week The Trend”, “More Than Useless” and “Be My Escape”.

The album’s downfall? The hard title to say to other people because it’s not really a word but more of a sound.

I would argue that with the availability of Myspace, Purevolume, Twitter, and YouTube among other sites that there are plenty of ways to update fans and others with news and promotions. I would also argue that a band needs a Wikipedia page. Having a place that lists discographies, members, and other info is helpful for the more dedicated fans or the critics who need some info quick. Wikipedia such be taken with a grain of salt but as a jumping off place it helps tremendously.

Is it necessary for a band to have the domain name of their band? Is it necessary to have a static web site these days for working bands? I would argue no, it’s a waste of money when such other viable options are available and free. What do you think?

Opening the album with “I Knew You’d Never Fly”, a piano and string instruments heavy song, you can tell right off the bat the band has a theatrical style which they play up. “Roll Right Over” is the album’s grove track and highlight. When the song reaches the pre-chorus and rolls right in the chorus is when the rhythm takes over and will begin to sweep you up in its path.

While there’s no arguing that the musical style is a different direction than tradition mainstream is headed, the band is not exactly paving ways. Fans of the indie rock band As Tall As Lions should feel very comfortable with the similar musical and vocal style laid out by Eye Alaska.

“Through Willows and Streams” ends the album with an upbeat pop song that adds elements of rock. The music and especially the string section is the biggest hooks that the song has although there’s also no part that hurts the song.

Eye Alaska is such a talented band with an amazing EP which should not be missed. There may be a slight learning curve in terms of acquainting your self with the style but it shouldn’t take long before the volume is turned up loud.