- Source: Ursa Major (Eleventh Dream Day album)
Ursa Major is an album by the American band Eleventh Dream Day. Released in 1994, it was the band's first album for Atavistic Records. The band supported the album with shows in the Chicago area. "Orange Moon" was released as a single.
Production
Originally planned as an EP, the album was produced by Brad Wood and John McEntire. It was recorded at Chicago's Idful Studios in March 1994. Bundy K. Brown and McEntire played on Ursa Major. Guitarist "Wink" O'Bannon left the band after the recording sessions. Opening track "History of Brokeback" is an instrumental.
Critical reception
Trouser Press determined that the album "suffers greatly from a deliberate lack of pop songcraft, though it delivers on a series of textured, slowly unfolding axe workouts." The Chicago Tribune concluded that "this is music of sweeping atmosphere and drama, and also crushing delicacy, an extended meditation on love, commerce and betrayal"; the paper later listed it as the ninth best album of 1994. The Northwest Herald wrote that "Doug McComb's silky bass has become so integral to EDD's sound that it seems like a lead guitar." The Courier Journal praised the "certain level of dark intensity."
AllMusic considered the album "loaded with supple, pretty melodies and intense, rampaging guitars." (The New) Rolling Stone Album Guide noted the "strong, unhurried rhythm section and clear melodic patterns on guitar."