Half String - A Fascination With Heights (1996, Independent Project)

It's a wonder I didn't latch onto Half String when they were still going in the '90s, but then again a lot of stuff was vying for my attention during that bustling era of music and such.  Inspired into action by woozy, across-the-pond exports Ride and Lush, this Tempe, AZ unit opted for a less-drowsy formula that was more in tune with Springhouse, and proto-shoegazers Pale Saints.  A Fascination With Heights boasts a wide array of glistening, echoey guitar fills with some faint downer sensibilities, perfect for when you're craving a 'sad soundtrack' that doesn't skimp on sophistication and musicianship.  This album was preceded by a collection of eps, Eclipse * Oval * Hue, which is available for the taking here, along with a healthy dose of text relating to Half String.

01. shell life
02. backstroke
03. hurrah?
04. ...
05. departures
06. a fascination with heights
07. momentum
08. lolligag
09. the apathy parade
10. numbers and fingers

https://rapidshare.com/files/1744335734/halfstring_fascination.rar