Silian Rail

Parhelion (Parks and Records)

By Erin Lyndal Martin
Published: July 23rd, 2010 | 7:00am

It’s hard to review Parhelion without reviewing post-rock as a genre, as most of the record’s pitfalls are the pitfalls of many post-rock bands—the songs meander aimlessly and repetitively, the instrumentation lacks diversity, and the music lacks hooks. Parhelion is guilty of those sins, but it will surely delight post/prog-rock lovers. This Bay Area duo manages the full sound of a larger band, and that full sound permeates the album, lending cohesion and continuity to the songs. The impressive musicianship shines throughout, defying the myth that post-rockers can't play their instruments.

However, the record remains a mixed bag. It kicks off with a rough start with the repetitive openers "A Leap in the Light" and "Death Should Know Better" which blur together. Further, the first few tracks lack the element of surprise that the second half of the album possesses. For example, the gorgeous, twinkly ending to "Maps and Mazes" comes from nowhere, disturbing the drone-y lull that the song has created. Other songs don't drone much at all; "To Ruins" is a blistering sonic journey that wanders through shimmering guitars and a fluid drumbeat.

Unlike post-rock legends like Sigur Røs, Silian Rail doesn't have that unique flavor that will win over fans from all genres. But, for people who enjoy post-rock, Parhelion will do quite nicely.

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