When I heard the news that former Isis bassist, Jeff Caxide, had a solo project called Crone in the works, I became very excited. Although Isis are no longer a band, each member has gone his separate route and Jeff Caxide gets a little help from the other members, of what was Isis, on Crone's debut album Endless Midnight. Isis frontman, Aaron Turner, contributes on the album and also does did the artwork. Aaron Harris (Isis), Cliff Meyer (Isis, Red Sparowes), and John LaMaccia (Candiria) also appear on the album. To start, Crone's music is very slow and reflective. Don't expect any spacey or hard-hitting post-metal. Crone's album is made up of more composition-like pieces than traditional song structures. Upon my first listen of this record, the sound came off as more of an experience than a traditional song. The album begins with 'What You Dream Of', an eleven minute soundscape that is very slow and has a quality keyboard arrangement that is beautiful and relaxing. Pink Floyd was definitely one of Caxide's influences on this piece, but his arrangement is very different than theirs. 'Ghost City' has more of a futuristic feel that is comprised of keyboards, heavily delayed guitars, and deep synths. This track could easily be the score for a science fiction television show or novel. The most expansive track on the album, and my personal favorite, is 'The Silver Hammer'. This track shows off its soft guitar work and unique percussion, and is the closest thing to melody you will find on the album. Caxide's bass work on the track brings to mind his former work with Isis. 'Cellar Holes From A Lifetime Ago' has a very similar feel to the previous track but has minimal synth and concrete guitar techniques. The title track 'Endless Midnight' closes out the album in a very melancholic fashion. The track brings to mind some of the softer material from Isis and Tool. Ticking guitar parts and layered, dreamlike plucks build up throughout the eleven minutes, finally ending with a beautifully layered climax.
Overall, this album is a must have for earlier, softer Jesu, Thisquietarmy, and EUS fans. Although not everyone will enjoy this record (as it is not a popular or upbeat sound), fans of the drone genre are sure to enjoy. Jeff Caxide has proven himself to be a very gifted and talented musician with the release of Crone's Endless Midnight. I enjoyed the record a great deal and I highly recommend it to drone and ambient fans alike.
Check out the track 'Ghost City' off of Crone's Endless Midnight:
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