Mirror Repair EP

Like its predecessor, Crookt, Crackt or Fly, the Mirror Repair EP finds Gastr del Sol spinning a series of elliptical, unpredictable compositions, some with cryptic lyrics. The centerpiece is undoubtedly the near-nine-minute "Eight Corners," which is built around a gentle piano figure that is interrupted at times by chaotic blurts from horns and tape effects, while adding barely audible sonic coloring at others. "Dictionary of Handwriting" is a more driving piece with an abrupt ending, utilizing electric guitar arpeggios and even some percussion. The songs' overall unpredictability is again striking, but perhaps even more notable is the sonic detail Grubbs and O'Rourke achieve using mostly minimal instrumentation. Accessible it isn't, but concentrated listening will bring ample rewards. ~ Steve Huey