Bridging the gap between the band’s stoner-doom beginnings and their proggier leanings of recent years, this two-track EP finally gets its own dedicated European pressing via Stickman Records. When Elder’s second full-length record Dead Roots Stirring came out in 2011, it easily surpassed their debut and made waves in the stoner rock community. By the time their follow-up Lore was released four years later, the band startled listeners expecting another stoner epic: the band had incorporated elements of progressive, psychedelic, post and psych-rock into their widening musical pallet. If it felt like a big step, that’s only because many had failed to notice the band’s transition showcased on the 2012 EP Spires Burn/Release - which has until now never seen release outside the US. Though only two songs long, as per usual Elder fill out the grooves with long-runners that travel a ways from their starting points. “Spires Burn”, the A-side, follows sludgy Maryland-doom style riffage into classic twin guitar interplay and psych-rock breakdowns. “Release” is the perfect counterpoint to the darker A-side, with uplifting, melodic leads and unexpected swerves. The first notions of a more progressive song structure and bolder songwriting shine through on both songs, which still remain heavy enough to appeal to fans of the band’s earlier work. Spires Burn/Release is not just a footnote but an excellent stand-alone record in the band’s trajectory. Available on 180 gram purple vinyl including download card.
