Years of Rice and Salt is a 5-piece instrumental rock / folk band based in London, United Kingdom.
They were formed in Summer ‘08 and recently released their debut Record entitled "Service Bell" through Future Recordings.
The Record is a themed collection of songs navigating the timeline of a shipwreck through music.
Buy Service Bell on CD from FutureRecordings for $5.
Some Reviews of Service Bell
Who?
Yep, another masturbatory review about an English band. Years of Rice and Salt are a mostly instrumental group that shows their love of folk by including the varied string arrangements of Anthony Coyne. It sounds strange, which is probably the point, but I would be remiss if I didn’t call Service Bell utterly beautiful.
How Is It?
I’ll say it again: beautiful. Four songs totaling 32 minutes of music is quite the bargain, especially when it’s available free of charge. Everything you love about post-rock is here, except it's augmented by mesmerizing voices, reverb-like-whoa and just enough toe-tapping violin. Album standout “Splendid Isolation” initially fools by implanting a minutes-long buildup - 8 minutes is a lot of time to fill! - but once the melodic guitars of George Taylor enter, it’s like another lovely, accessible pop song. Then the band lays the drama and drums on thick for another rousing loud-soft-loud climax. However, buried in the fuzzy haze of songs like “Plankton” and “(Rearranging) Deckchairs” is that folk influence shining bright like a full bottle of whiskey after a shitty day. Sure, Service Bell is 90% post-rock and 10% folk, but at least it’s something. Years of Rice and Salt cram a lot of moods into one EP, and for absolutely no cost, you can decide which one’s you treasure the most.
- Blake Solomon, Absolute Punk
"After three songs of enjoyable post-rock, the final track, “Occasional Flashes of Warmth”, unfolds to put a wonderful cap on Service Bell EP. The origin for the title of the album becomes apparent during this song as the lyrics “I keep a service bell by my bed for you” are repeated throughout. These words are used as a theme or muse to build the subsequent musical content, while the violin is used as an expression of yearning and offers a slight folk sound to the song. Throughout the album, the violin is used very well and does not fall into the gimmicky category, and it particularly shines on “Splendid Isolation” with its inspirational lead melody. As the album progresses so does the mayhem as the tempo builds, the guitars get more distorted and the drums become punchier. And then it ends and you are left to think about what just happened during those last 32 minutes.
The album is very lyrical, and not just because of the use of words, but more because the folk style of the violin playing evokes emotions of desire and seeking and the build and fall of dynamics pack power into each song. These little bits of excellence really make Service Bell EP a joy to listen to."
- The Silent Ballet
"A narrative without words, conveyed in soaring guitars, splashed percussion, harmonicas and fiddles... there's a definite Celtic/nautical timbre to this record, evoking feelings both homesick, and peaceful. The whole thing is beautifully arranged and involving."
- Spoonfed
"A four track concept EP from London based band Years of Rice and Salt, the music charts the catastrophe of a shipwreck. Haunting strings and guitar lines build up to produce subtle yet beautiful melodies fitting of the subject. The only vocals are dreamy harmonies on the title track, yet the songs draw you in with their well written guitar lines. With hints of folk in places driven by violins adding to the seascape, the five piece instrumental outfit take you on an entrancing journey to the bottom of the ocean. The production of the music is outstanding, showcasing their instrumental excellence and obvious talent"
- Digitalgig.co.uk
"Okay, so I won’t deny that I’ve been on a ‘post-rock’ craze recently. After hearing about five different bands/artists, I have to say that if you’re heard one you’ve pretty much heard them all. That assumption could be attributed to Years of Rice and Salt as well, except for one key factor: they’re far more folk than they are post-rock. Their Service Bell EP is supposed to be a story of a shipwreck in four songs, but it really sounded like a story about life with its poignant memories of the past and hopes for the future. That’s a bit flowery for something that’s pretty much lyric-less, but this EP stands out amongst the rest. Here’s another saying of mine: I can’t wait until they mature a little more. For once, I really mean it."
Hey thanks for being a friend, awesome
Our new album "Reunion" is finally out, It was mastered at Sigur Ros's studio in Iceland, we are very happy!
you can listen and download here
http://theecheloneffect.bandcamp.com/album/reunion
please come by the profile and say hi as well,
many thanks Dave
T>E>E
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