Yndi Halda are considered by many to be one of the shining lights in the post-rock world, but it was just a year ago when hardly anyone was even aware of their existence. Then came along the now famous article by the title of "The Top Instrumental releases of 2005," and Enjoy Eternal Bliss sat proudly at number 2. All of a sudden Yndi Halda was swept along on a tidal wave of internet buzz and good fortune, mainly due to the sheer volume of people who became introduced to instrumental music in 2005. For the hardcore fans, Yndi Halda became the ‘cool underground band’ to separate you from all those kids just discovering Mogwai and for the new kids, Yndi Halda became the ‘cool underground band’ to namedrop in front of your peers to win respect.

Today Yndi Halda are a pretty big deal, signed to Big Scary Monsters and Burnt Toast Vinyl, and touted by some as not only one of the best post-rock bands in the UK, but also one of the best post-rock bands, period. If nothing else, they certainly belong on the list of the best up-and-coming post-rock band. But, all this withstanding, Yndi Halda would not have received this buzz and stardom without the backing of a quite stunning release, and Enjoy Eternal Bliss is just that, now re-released with a brand new song.

Opener ‘Dash and Blast’ eases gently from ambient beginnings into melodic orchestral post-rock, before slowly building into a crashing release of tension, and that’s only half the track. The gorgeous melodies of the violin and chiming guitar are brought back to an uplifting ending reminiscent of Explosions in the Sky, and as far as opening tracks go, this takes some beating. ‘We Flood Empty Lakes’ follows a similar pattern, starting slowly and quietly before the distortion pedals kick in, then going back to the quiet, then the loud again. It’s not exactly original, but it works and is executed rather splendidly.

With Enjoy Eternal Bliss being so popular the first time around in its 3 track demo form, the addition of a new track slap bang in the middle was always going to cause problems, as is the case of ‘A Song For Starlight Beaches’, especially as its easily the weakest song on the record. For 6 minutes it meanders along doing very little, before a heart warming piano breakdown interrupts, and the track takes its now obligatory heavier direction. The piece ends rather nicely, although 7 minutes too late, with almost incoherent vocals repeated over tremolo guitars and crashing cymbals.

Ending on a high note, the closing track ‘Illuminate My Heart, My Darling’ is by far the best effort Enjoy Eternal Bliss has to offer. It’s reminiscent of Mono, Detwiije and Godspeed You! Black Emperor. It’s haunting, melodic, heavy, beautiful, epic, and it has a frantic ending that must be a nod to "East Hastings," which can only be a good thing.

Most fan of post-rock will have heard Enjoy Eternal Bliss and be fully aware of its charms, but if you’re new to Yndi Halda, or post-rock in general, this is a release you must check out. Sure, it’s far from perfect and not the most original piece of post-rock you’ll hear (many bands have, and will, produce better efforts in the same vein), but for a debut release, it really is quite remarkable, and needs to be heard. Few bands have come out of the gates with such passion, and this is why Yndi Halda has gathered such a following.

-James Ould