Album Review: EF – Give Me Beauty… or Give Me Death! (20th Anniversary) (Pelagic Records)

In 2025 European post-rock EF and Pelagic Records mark a double milestone: the 20th anniversary of ‘Give Me Beauty… or Give Me Death!’ and Pelagic Record’s 300th release. On 28th November 2025, EF will release a re-recorded and reimagined version of their now classic debut album.

I’m not familiar with EF’s music, if you can believe that, and for my shame, this is the first time I am experiencing this album. Truly, I don’t know how I have gone through my life not being aware of this band, especially as I am such a fan of post rock and metal. I can only imagine what the me of 20 years ago (21 years old) would have thought about this record, and while I might not have loved it as much as I do now, I know it would have had an impact.

How could it not? EF’s post rock sound isn’t just beautiful, it’s assertively dynamic and intensely unique. Post rock with twists and turns, and this album embodies this perfectly. I love it. From beginning to end, I was transfixed and some of these tracks are already some of my most played of the year.

The unbridled beauty of opener Ett, the soft melody, subtle ambience, and sense of calm it creates, is unforgettable. It’s just one part of the EF experience, but it’s an attention-grabbing part especially as it expands into more recognisable post territories, which means the more vibrant potency of Misinform the Uniformed isn’t such a shock to the system. Heck, it’s the first time we have vocals, and the breathy, smooth delivery is warm and comforting. This track’s transformation, as it goes on, is simply spectacular. It also was originally only released on the Japanese Edition of the album back in 2006.

Speaking of spectacular though, the dramatic Noll is so cool, but I can’t stop thinking about Hello Scotland. One of the best post rock songs I’ve ever heard, full stop. A bold claim, yes, but on first listen, I sat there for 12+ minutes with my mouth wide open. Stunned into silence, blown away by the layers of creative thinking, in love with the melodrama, tearful over the haunting melodies, the pained vocals, and each subsequent listen (and there have been quite a few) has only grown my fascination and love of this track.

I will admit that it’s a little harder to get into another huge effort straight after, but the moodier tone of Final Touch/Hidden Agenda does help and little by little, I was drawn into this new layer of extravagance and ended up loving the explosive ending.

There’s something akin to a ‘pause for breath’ moment with He Came, He Stayed, He Fell. Even though the melody is heart-wrenching. However, you must bear in mind that the album’s ‘epic’ follows it, and all your attention is going to be diverted to Tomorrow My Friend…

Nearly 15 minutes of elaborate, dramatic, emphatic, and delightful post rock. Sink into it, feel yourself soar, be spellbound by what it offers, it is EF and it is brilliant. Is it f**king dusty in here, or what!?

It is fair to say that the album is exhausting, yet few will want it to end. Alas, end it must and it’s unparalleled beauty that closes things out. We’ll Meet in the End, a daring showcase of happier and lighter melodies, albeit with the incredible emotional detail that EF are so good at.

Yeah, I think it goes without saying that this album is a must listen for everyone, let alone every post rock fan. If you know the original well, you have an updated and fresh sound that matches the level the band is at these days, and if, like me, this is your first experience of the album, you’re going to come away changed by it.

EF – Give Me Beauty… or Give Me Death! Track Listing:

1. Ett (20th Anniversary)
2. Misinform the Uninformed (20th Anniversary)
3. Noll (20th Anniversary)
4. Hello Scotland (20th Anniversary)
5. Final Touch/Hidden Agenda (20th Anniversary)
6. He Came, He Stayed, He Fell (20th Anniversary)
7. Tomorrow My Friend… (20th Anniversary)
8. We’ll Meet in the End (20th Anniversary)

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