EF was formed in 2003 and made a strong debut in the post rock scene with their debut album "Give me Beauty...or Give me Death." The album is being reissued now as a 20^th anniversary release. It all started in Gothenburg, Sweden back in 2003. After various incarnations the band we've now come to know as EF hit their stride by opening up their heavy distorted guitar pallet to a much richer, textural approach with haunting melodies and harmonies. The band started touring and built up a dedicated fan base throughout the years. The experience and confidence gained from 300+ shows have taken them all over Europe, Russia and Asia and it has shaped them to become the explosive, energetic and cathartic live band they are now today.

The album has eight songs, and "Ett" is first, and the textures are amazing. It's light, airy, and melodic, but not overstated. It also has a warmth to it, like an old blanket that is just very comforting to wrap yourself in. It builds to a crescendo, and then releases. "Misinform the Uninformed" has a sturdier beat, and features trumpets and other brass instruments. It's still in the realm of light, and warmth, and this time, there are some vocals. They are quite ethereal, and not the main focus of the music. It has atmospheric qualities, to heighten your sense of emotion and awareness, and it makes my heart ache. "Noll" is shorter, but no less impactful, and the band explores many different emotions on the album. This one feels tense and even sad at times.

"Hello Scotland" is a lengthy 12-minute song. It begins with the sun shining down on the first warm day of spring, when you walk outside, and just smile. From there, gradual layers are added, giving the song a firmer feeling. But, they hold that golden key just out of reach, and the cello notes speak to my soul. "Final Touch/Hidden Agenda" is another long one, but their sounds lends to these types of arrangements, since they use so much atmosphere and ambiance in the music. This one is frail at first, but harder and thicker at times. For me, it's like the mystery of a dark cave…you never know what might be in there, and your sense of exploration urges you to look. "He Came, He Stayed, He Fell" does have a bit of tragedy in the sound. It's melancholy, and sad at times.

I like to think of the final two songs as one, and the second part is a continuation. "Tomorrow My Friend…" is close to 15 minutes. It explores…like a kid in a field of brightly colored flowers that could keep them occupied for days. It's also moody, and a bit sentimental, especially when she says "all good things must come to an end." The screams towards the end however tell a different tale. "…We'll Meet in the End" is the final offering, and it leaves the album to linger on your palate like an exotic fruit…tasty, and sweet. The trumpet notes and strings do tug at your heart, and don't leave the tale fully realized, but it's that sense of mystery that marries so well with the awe.

It's hard to believe that this album dates back to the "second wave" era of Post Rock, when it became a divisive term for many. But, there is no denying its ability to pull the most out of the listener, even with feelings they weren't sure they even had. Its mood is discoverable at times, with warm and comforting tones, and more mysterious at others, when it leaves just a bit of a bittersweet taste on your tongue. One of the more lasting impressions I get from the album is feeling awake for the first time in months.