Siberian Traps
File Under: Demonstration EP
Free Download
I’m not going to lie, the cover art to this one is what caught my eye. Yes, it’s ridiculous but that doesn’t make it any less attention grabbing. That being said, I’m also a big fan of getting to hear demonstration recordings from bands for a multitude of reasons. First and foremost, the ideas for songs are at their most raw and, typically, not overthought. Whatever kernel of goodness may exist in the work stands out because there hasn’t been a bunch of studio second guessing. Secondly, assuming that the band doesn’t overnoodle for the final product, you get to hear the scaffolding for what may come next. Sure, they run the risk of fans falling in love with the stripped down versions moreso than the final versions but loving a song is loving a song; it doesn’t matter which version gets the adoration. I’m particularly curious to hear where “Commanche Moon” ends up.