In my estimation, Balmorhea are named after Balmorhea, TX (population: 500) or the town’s adjacent lake. Both capture the band’s essence: the minute town suggesting the band’s intimacy, and the lake conveying its natural purity. Almost entirely instrumental, Balmorhea’s third release All Is Wild, All Is Silent continues where its predecessors left off. However, this record maintains an incredible closeness to the listener. Its melodies are patient and calm and its delivery exact and effective. Balmorhea’s main members, Rob Lowe and Michael Muller, harness the expertise of four accomplished musicians to produce an extremely precise sound. Comparisons to a more subtle Sigur Ros are apt indeed; but as are comparisons to Ludvig van Beethoven and John Cage. Are their roots in classical, rock, or experimental? A case could be made for all.
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