The Great Balloon Race are an alternative, folk , jazz band from Cork. If you’re wondering how the hell alternative folk and jazz come together, I’m not sure if you should look here.
Their first track “Birds of Canada” entails a journey along the surface of the clouds; you cannot help but picture yourself floating along clouds gazing at the world beneath. Birds of Canada might just be my new bedtime song. As the song progresses, it flows into an unstable world, (best I can describe it with), dissonant chord progressions creating odd shapes. Beautiful tones and space, uhmm!
“Green Man” has a lot to live up to after an incredible opener. Soft percussion and light chords drift in and out, very classy! Light organ follows in, sounds like these guys could find themselves in small jazz clubs. Strange yet aesthetic all the same. Vocals don’t really do the music justice but hey, nothings perfect right?
“Mild Horses” starts with beautifully crafted guitar work, light percussion that adapted from the likes of Nick Mason, the master at hitting cymbals here and there for the laugh. This song reminds me of Kaki King’s instrumental pieces, beautifully crafted, well executed.
“Stevie Wonderland” starts with a sound that digs into my childhood, the sound when something creepy happens in the Tomb Raider games…spoookkky! This song doesn’t really do anything for myself, it’s all like a Tim Burton nightmare, everything seems out of proportion.
“Grog”, boasts that ever strong guitar sound found all over this EP. The band crash to a close in style. Overall, This EP has some great sounds. The good outdoes the bad. Beautifully engineered reverbs create the space needed to enjoy this album. If you like instrumental music, you’ll love this!