Rarely have violins been used to such goosebump-raising effect as they are on the opening song of this stunning soundtrack to what was surely an epic break-up. The First Days of Spring is the rare killer sophomore release that shows a band clearly in charge of its artistic development. The set’s architecture mimics the emotional stages of a broken heart, and though the elegant first three tracks (acceptance, loneliness) are hard to beat, one track sequence in particular — four through seven — is particularly effective. Floor toms, violins and shakers converge in quiet elegy on “My Broken Heart,” which ends with ruptured, howling guitars, but two brief instrumentals bookend the determinedly optimistic and joyful, choir-driven “Love of an Orchestra.” After a misstep in the name of healing (“Stranger”), our protagonist partakes in more optimism (“Blue Skies”), engages in deep soul-searching (“Slow Glass”), and finally accepts the situation’s inevitable denouement (“My Door Is Always Open”). For those romantic shipwrecks that lie ahead, The First Days of Spring may offer not only solace, but some profoundly enjoyable listening as well.

Genres: Alternative, Music, Rock, Adult Alternative, Pop

Released: 31 August 2009

℗ 2009 Mercury Records Limited

Tracklist:

01 The First Days of Spring

02 Our Window

03 I Have Nothing

04 My Broken Heart

05 Instrumental I

06 Love of An Orchestra

07 Instrumental II

08 Stranger

09 Blue Skies

10 Slow Glass

11 My Door Is Always Open

12 The First Days of Spring [Video]

Digital Booklet - The First Days Of Spring

Genres: Alternative, Music, Rock, Adult Alternative, Indie Rock

Released: Apr 30, 2013

℗ 2013 The Island Def Jam Music Group

Tracklist:

01 The Secret

02 Timeless

03 What's In a Name?

04 The Storm

05 Safe

06 Bride & Groom

07 True Love

08 This Is London

09 The Fifth Day

10 Elizabeth

Digital Booklet - Such Hot Blood