Review by Dan:

Named after a sea faring bird, the Guillemots' choice of title for this 8 track prelude to their debut “Through The Window Pane” appears fairly accurate. A short, sad, piano-accompanied intro kicks us off, where you could be mistaken for thinking Damien Rice was a guest vocalist. Next up, with a Thrills influenced beginning and trumpets straight out of a Divine Comedy tune, the carnival that is “Train To Brazil” unleashes itself on you – this is good fun. “Made Up Love Song #43” continues the quality, but disappointingly, whilst “Over The Stairs” is expressive and mournful, it’s also painful to listen to – the inlay card tries to describe some of the sounds as ‘ghostly mumbles’ but frankly, it’s awful. “Who Left The Lights Off, Baby?” and “Go Away”, offer some respite – they’re experimental and very tuneful, and this is where the collection is at its strongest. However, the quirky bass clarinet doesn’t detract from more needless wailings and whinings in “Cats Eyes”. Thankfully they’re absent in the final track, “My Chosen One”, a soothing ballad with more thoughts of Damien Rice. An appetiser for things to come.