I wrote this, originally, for culturebrats.com as a review of the album as it was juuussstttt coming out. It was an awesome experience, but I'll be honest, I just remember it was good - not the details. So, Hawke readers, hope it still holds up now!
PS - this is an off shoot of Coheed and Cambria, in case you were wondering. Very exciting stuff!
"Night Climb" starts out this album just gently enough to build anticipation. It's just barely there, standing at under a minute, but I love it as an intro piece.
Think older school rock as we get into "Deterioration Road." The song is far from overwhelming, thankfully, and the harmonies that come in on the chorus are actually fantastic. The vocals build upward in pitch, which I can't say is amazing, but I think I can get over that. If this is going to be the slightly dark, great rock tone for the entire album, I think we're in for something pretty damn cool. | |
| And as for a good driving song, "Sister Servant" brings that on. There's a slight reggae beat hidden in there, but not a single steal drum - the guitars support is most. Everything feels just far off enough to create a nice vibe for listening. So far, so good for a late Sunday night listening session. |
I finally started listening in to lyrics a little more closely (I know, I'm disappointed in myself too!) and am falling for "Our Machine." There is something really deep and right going on here, painted with a stroke of hope of sorts. The music itself? So interesting and unexpected and simple, and yes - all at once. There's a banjo in there people, and I don't think any of us saw that one coming. | |
| SEE? "Drown It All" completely proves my point. What is this, a Barenaked Ladies tribute song? It's so close to country and so very 90's I'm in shock and slight awe. The talent of this group is continuing to amaze me because of where they take these sounds. Things are so simple and unexpected that it's incredible. And the subject of moving on is taken in such a light way you can't help but tilt your head back and feel it all melt. |
Alright, this is weird to me. I love the dark slow nature of "Dancing On Remains," but for some reason I find it boring at this particular moment. Again, very good chill music, but nothing truly special to my ears, and I'm not catching any important lyrics throughout either. I'm probably missing something, but this is another lull point for me on the album. | |
| "Father" is the final and somewhat short (sitting at about two and a half minutes) track to the album. Lots of lead-in guitar layering in a very pretty but sad way. At the minute mark - right on the dot - is when the drums come in to join, kicking up the beat a bit. And I do believe we are not getting vocals on this track. Wow, a bookended album? Very, very nice final touch. |
- "Deterioration Road"
- "Simple Worlds"
- "Sister Servant"
- "Our Machine"
- "Drown It All"
- "Father"
Must've liked it - look at that list. =)