Make a Rising

Infinite Ellipse And Head With Open Fontanel

(High Two)

Record Review by Thomas Hillard

With an eclectic compilation of instruments, and an eerie harmonious set of vocal talent, Make a Rising’s Infinite Ellipse And Head With Open Fontanel introduces a colorful culture all of their own.

Intricate guitar change-ups and understated back-beat drum patterns 
make for a truly unique and transcending listening experience. With nearly each member of this band contributing to the singing, the voices fill out an ample and multi-toned sound that is still riddled with a haunting effect. If Modest Mouse had a sophisticated, less outspoken, opera-loving brother, it would be Make a Rising.

Classical instruments that are many times only used for the occasional intro or outro are laced throughout the tracks, and tie the vocals to the guitar and percussion with soothing yet energetic melodies. Infinite Ellipse And Head With Open Fontanel is for the dedicated instrumental lover, as the vocals are not the lead of the music, but used as thoughtful and tasteful interjections. The saxaflute and accordion allow this album to claim its stand-alone qualities, and make for dramatic and unexpected change-ups.

If the violin isn’t accenting the guitar, it picks up where the guitar has left off to transition the music into swaying bridges and repetitions. The strong point of this CD is that each member of this band is accomplished with more than one instrument, which allows for infinite possibilities, and a broader canvas in which to spread their musical passions and abilities. These tracks showcase a delicate and organized collection of musical endeavors that have followed a strict recipe to remain thoughtful and pleasing to the ear. This Philadelphian brotherhood has a rising fan base that has been brought to new heights by the release of this CD.