Review / 200 Words Or Less
Lavinia
There Is Light Between Us

The Mylene Sheath (2011) Jon E.

Lavinia – There Is Light Between Us cover artwork
Lavinia – There Is Light Between Us — The Mylene Sheath, 2011

Lavinia are a post rock super group of sorts. being comprised of members of more than a couple Mylene Sheath bands including Caspian and Eksi Ekso. So there are certain expectations most listeners will be placing on this release. The band doesn't stray too far from the post rock foundation built with their full time bands. Guitars shimmer and build leading to their inevitable breakdown. The drums fill the gaps strengthening the overall sound throughout.

The real kicker here is the vocals many bands of this style seem to forgo the use of vocals so as to avoud taking away from the atmosphere the instruments build. Here the vocals are on full display helping the overall atmosphere and creating and relationship with the guitars while not seeming to take away from them.

Where the band seem to fall short is that with their glut of experience they seem to sound like a new band. The songs sound gorgeous but seem to have kinks in them overall. Although the same was probably said when Mogwai added vocals to their sound as well. Everything here seems overly peaceful. There is an obvious quiet to loud dynamic very much is lost in the builds. Hopefully the band can get some more time together and make the most of their talents. In the meantime this is a worthwhile start.

6.8 / 10Jon E. • September 5, 2011

Lavinia – There Is Light Between Us cover artwork
Lavinia – There Is Light Between Us — The Mylene Sheath, 2011

Related news

Lavinia line-up changes

Posted in Bands on October 31, 2012

Recently-posted album reviews

Silver Proof

Even If It Hurts
Independent (2026)

Some pop punk records feel made for playlists and algorithms. They’re polished into oblivion, emotionally vague, and afraid to get messy. Silver Proof clearly didn’t get that memo. The Buffalo trio’s debut full length, Even If It Hurts, leans heavily into the emotional core of early 2010s emo pop and melody while still sounding energized rather than nostalgic. Across the … Read more

Lice (Aesop Rock & Homeboy Sandman)

Vol. 4: Miami Lice
Rhymesayers (2026)

This EP released kind of suddenly, back in March, right before a bunch of stuff hit the fan in my life outside of SPB. Which means the EP felt sudden, but this review has been stewing for nearly three months with a lot of repeat listening along the journey. At eight songs in length, it's short but sweet, and as … Read more

Various Artists

There Is No Sun - A Tribute To Jay Reatard
Sonic Church (2026)

The late, great Jay Reatard was a prolific master of rock n roll gems. Whether it be with his earlier budget-punk act of his namesake, Reatards, his synth-punk projects Lost Sounds and Angry Angles, or his solo material as Jay Reatard, Jimmy Lee Lindsey Jr. was an incredible songwriter. Those aforementioned bands are just a smattering of units he’s been … Read more