Lost Songs

The songs on Lost Songs were recorded by Appleseed Cast in 1998 at a time when the indie/emo band was in an uncertain place. They were in between drummers, and soon after these nine tracks were laid down they found a new drummer and decided to set aside the songs aside and start over. Four years later the group decided to finish these "lost" songs and laid down vocals and some overdubs in May of 2002. Fans of Appleseed Cast will be very happy that the band didn't leave the vault sealed, as these are some fine recordings. "E to W" starts the record off in epic fashion with a wide-screen sound full of ringing guitars and wailing vocals. The rest of the record is not as grand, but it is a step above most run-of-the-mill emo bands plying their trade these days. Dramatic, emotional, and sonically imaginative, Lost Songs is a very solid indie rock record. Other highlights include the near-instrumental "Take," a pretty ballad with some very understated piano and heavily reverbed vocals; the alternately storming and soothing "State N W/K"; and the experimental fuzz ballad "Beach Gray." The whole record has a slightly experimental feel, probably due to the upheaval within the band. It sounds like they are working toward some heavy changes. Casual fans of Appleseed Cast may find this disc less than essential; devotees will find it positively necessary. Fans of guitar-driven indie rock may want to check it out as well.