Reviewed by Jonathan Langley

Terminals are places where we change direction, where journeys end or move on to their next phase. Terminal is a word we use for those whose days are numbered. It's a term applicable to every one of us and the name of a band that seems prone to meditation on related themes: loss, change, separation and death and their resulting loneliness. Artwork on 'How The Lonely Keep' features empty beds and band members in shallow pools of light in an endless night. So far, so emo. But aside from musical diversions like the occasional grunge guitar flourish, the content, too, is more positive, without being overtly Christian. Texas-based Terminal deliver a shard of hope among the wreckage on this album, a shaft or two of light that almost seem to make the tone sadder by juxtaposition. "Not All Bad" offers the advice: "Just stay here/Couldn't we all use the company," and gives romantic reasons to live that every emo kid will relate to. Suicide lament "Foster" provides a softer sound than the slightly formulaic rock guitar/breathy pure vocal on the rest of the album and probably the strongest songwriting too. Recommended for fans of Sullivan and Emery and, even older, Smashing Pumpkins or Dinosaur Jr.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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