Disco de My Bloody Valentine: “Tremolo [EP]”

Any MBV fan will kick himself for discovering this album so late as I did. It's like finding a lost section of Loveless. Although it's an EP, Tremolo was clearly concieved of like an album; it's coherent, connected, organic. Other reviewers below have noted the transitions between songs (as on Loveless), but what they haven't noted is that "To Here Knows When," a song already on the aformentioned album, actually gets a different ending/transition here. The other three songs not only stand up to anything on Loveless, but actually surpass many of those excellent tunes. The creative process and decision making that went into this EP would likely be intriguing; however, MBV's relative prolificness in 1991 now makes one wonder if Shields simply shot his bolt and had little else to say after; this as opposed to the idea that he's an obsessive perfectionist (yea, that holds a lot of weight after 10 years without a new cd!). Apparently he scraped an entire album after bankrupting a label! But no matter: Shields and MBV have given us enduring works and all of the following are essential: Isn't Anything, Glider EP, Tremolo EP, and Loveless.

Tremolo will send chills through your spine.

The Tremolo EP is, without a doubt, one of the finest moments in MBV's catalogue. Clocking in at a little under 20 minutes, it contains some of MBV's dreamiest and most beautiful soundscapes. Opening up with the hazy lull of "To Here Knows When," a minute of gorgeous feedback and distant acoustic guitar suddenly takes over at the song's conclusion; the result is simply breathtaking. "Swallow" is another abstract piece that features pseudo-Arabian rhythms and Belinda Butcher's ethereal voice. "Honey Power" is a driving rock number, similar to "Sueisfine" and "Feed Me With Your Kiss" from the Isn't Anything LP. The album closes with the lullabye "Moonsong," which I actually find a little underwhelming. Personal taste, I suppose.

I think the best moments of this EP are the oft-referred to "songs between the songs," which steal the show every time. I would have bought this disc if it was nothing but the blissful one minute of feedback between "To Here Knows When" and "Swallow." Chances are if you're looking at this EP then you're somewhat interested in MBV... for eight dollars, there is really no reason at all not to buy this album. You just can't go wrong.

'Tremolo' is an awesome experience. This is a must for any MBV fan. The genius that went into this EP is astounding. I could go on and on and on... If you have 'Loveless' and don't yet have this EP, pick it up now! If you have yet to hear MBV, this or 'Glider' would be an excellent starting point. As is standard with MBV, all of the songs run into each other...there are no standard moments of silence between tracks. It is my humble opinion (after 10 years of avid MBV listening) that the 'song' between 'To Here Knows When' and 'Swallow' is the finest moment in MBV's history (and hence my favorite piece of music of all time). It moves me to tears. I wish it would go on forever. Shields must have been communicating with alien life or God himself to hear that in his head.

This EP is yet another great example of Kevin Shields and the rest of the Valentines virtuous use of aural textures and TRUE sonic experimentation. A tremendous sample of pure musical ingenuity!! A.S.

Opens from a track from LOVELESS, widely considered to be their masterpiece. "To Here Knows When" is an etheral song with guitars that sound like they're phasing in and out of our plane of existence. Features a fantastically surrealistic ending that doesn't appear on the album. ****1/2

"Swallow" - is a B-side quality track but sweet and enjoyable nonetheless. Interesting percussion and a sound similar to modern (Eastern) Indian music. Like "To Here Knows When," its ending undergoes a radical transformation that serves as a segueway to the next song and sounds like working your way through a maze of clouds. ****

"Honey Power" - cool song from My Bloody honey Belinda Butcher. Features the kind of guitars I went crazy for on ISN'T ANYTHING. Instantly evolves into a stunning segue. *****

The ending of "Honey Power" brilliantly becomes the woozy "Moon Song," which is drunk on its own feedback. ****1/2

Good stuff! Fans will definitely want to get this one!