Album Review: Eidola – Mend

With their second album in just under a year, Utah-based band Eidola returns with their sixth studio album, Mend. As someone unfamiliar with the band, I wasn’t sure what to expect—but I was pleasantly surprised.

The opener, “Braham: Garden of Eden,” is an aptly titled, spacy, and ethereal track that gradually builds into an anthemic explosion, accompanied by thumping drums and blaring horns reminiscent of a marching band. However, it stands in contrast to the rest of the album, which defies easy categorization.

“Prodigy,” the second track, leans into an upbeat, quasi-rock-pop sound with honest lyricism—sometimes a bit cliché, but effective. Much of its impact comes from lead singer Andrew Wells’ powerful, raw vocals. On “My Father’s House,” he sings, “To be enraptured in your wisdom is the cost of grace” over a bright, acoustic-driven pop-rock beat. This line might feel corny from another vocalist, but Wells’ commanding presence allows the lyricism to come across as heartfelt and sincere. Thematically, the subject remains ambiguous, seemingly blurring the lines between spirituality and personal relationships—perhaps intentionally so.

As the album progresses, a clear pattern emerges in Eidola’s songwriting. While they adhere to familiar structures, their technical skill is undeniable. Tracks like “Renaissance” and “What It Means to Be Alone” showcase their willingness to experiment—delivering a delicate piano ballad in the former and an unexpected, quasi-techno detour in the latter. They may not be the most groundbreaking band, but they are certainly a skilled one.

Many of the album’s compositions are long and seemingly ever-changing, highlighting their ability to push beyond traditional structures. “Kaleidoscope” is a prime example, forgoing a conventional verse-chorus format in favor of an unconventional bridge that somehow works seamlessly.

As the album closes, Eidola returns to their signature style with “Revelation: The Infinite Beauty of Oneness,” ending on a fitting note with the lyric, “Goodbye and farewell.”