Milhaven represent the German contribution to all things post-rock. Their debut record is confident, sprawling and different enough not to be completely overladen with the usual comparisons. The tendency for many bands is to go for the Godspeed! route and create ten minute instrumentals of angry guitars as a political statement. Milhaven fall into this category only once on 'A Simple Plan'; the inevitable apocalyptic overblown finale. For much of the time though, they show a welcome lightness of touch; even beginning their album with some acoustic guitar recorded over noises from the streets of 'New Orleans'. 'Drink A Pint Of Blood A Day' is more dynamic and replete with chiming guitar; always threatening to be more aggressive but keeping something back in reserve. Quality control is maintained as 'E.Zann' possesses a beautiful, pastoral quality whilst 'The East Is Red' is magnificently intense. Milhaven remain a tight unit throughout; interspersing the darkness with regular shafts of light. It is said that the best things come for free and since 'Bars Closing Down' is a free download who are we to argue?