In a genre like Post-Rock, where bands are about as divergent and vaguely dissimilar as genre descriptions themselves, it can be difficult for groups to gain momentum and notoriety. What’s more is a group’s ability to stand the test of time among the every-changing torrent of new music, even in the most obscure genres. My Education, it seems, has done just that. More than a decade after 5 Popes‘ original release on CD, My Education will soon celebrate the album’s inaugural vinyl pressing. The record has been completely remastered and also features two new mixes and a bonus track.
My Education has had quite a ride as ambassadors of the Texas post-rock scene. In a little over a decade the band has released a veritable arsenal of full length LPs, 7″s, compilations and appearances, original scores across a multitude of indie record labels. Over the years, the band has toured Europe once and the US numerous times, playing music festivals, performing live film scores that have moved people to tears and crafting a notorious live show that has led some folks to moments of life-altering epiphanies.
The album that started the whole journey for My Education was 5 Popes, released on CD via Ballyhoo Withdrawal and Thirty Ghosts Records. This album has left an undeniable mark on instrumental music. Rave reviews followed 5 Popes from its inception but one major request that came over the years was: “Do you have 5 Popes on vinyl?” This was a rare request back in the glory days of the CD but has taken on a new urgency in recent years. After a white-hot 2013 for My Education, the band has taken a look back at the album that started it all and is proud to be reissuing their debut with two all new mixes and a bonus track via Beat Imprint Records. This will mark the first time 5 Popes has been released on vinyl and the album has been remastered by the indefatigable Sean Seagler at811 Studios, unleashing new sonic delights. The artwork has been redesigned by My Education’s lighting/visuals/graphics wizard Skye Ashbrook, but retains the classic Eric Gibbons painting that graced the original cover.
All remains aesthetically on this reissue, which is an open, dynamic soundscape similar to that of Explosions in the Sky, Tortoise, or even elements of Mogwai. The new track, “Thanksgiving” is a shimmering gem that holds true to the integrity and aesthetic of the original album. A worthy addition, this track in addition to the new mixes is an enticing extra incentive for vinyl aficionados to pick up “5 Popes”. Anyone new to My Education but familiar with Post-Rock would definitely enjoy this reissue. Likewise, anyone new to Post-Rock that enjoys instrumental music. Do yourself a favor and not only check this album out but also the aforementioned bands in this paragraph. You won’t be disappointed.
The Austin, TX based post-rock group will be playing a hometown release show December 14 at Red 7 and the album will be released nationally February 4, 2014 via Beat Imprint.
Stream first single “Deep Cut”
Artist: My Education
Album: 5 Popes
Release Date: Feb 4, 2014
Label: Beat Imprint