James Arden checks out the garage rockers latest album.
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Two years on from their previous album, Hospice, high expectations were set for The Antlers' new album. With the collaboration of Silberman’s poetic lyrics and slick instrumentals it is difficult to criticise the bands channel of sound. The effective manifestation of human emotions and intensities places Burst Apart in a gracious position for criticism. It is hard to fault such professionalism in an album.
The album opens with a slow paced number, ‘I Don’t Want Love’. Ironically, the song is more positive than the title portrays. The lengthy opening flaunts the smooth guitar glissandos before the vocals really kick in. ‘French Exit’ follows, producing an unusually upbeat sound with the whining guitars that seem to govern the song. The harmonic progressions move more rapidly, further lightening the mood.
‘Parentheses’ definitely protrudes within the album. The song is instrumentally enlightening with the snarling guitars and military drums, and vocally enticing with the mysticism that Silberman’s lyrics create. Similarly, ‘Every Night My Teeth Are Falling Out’ stands out as one of the most memorable tracks on the album. Its infectious accompaniment and progressive vocal line builds to a reigning climax that ends on a bang.
Although slightly musically deserted, ‘Corsicana’ provides a breath of fresh air with poetic lyrics such as ‘We should close that window we both left open.’ The final and longest track, ‘Putting The Dog To Sleep’ builds in structure as abrupt guitar strikes are heard more frequently in conjunction with the melancholy lyrics such as, ‘prove to me I’m not going to die alone.’
Burst Apart inevitably needs time dedicated to its listening in order to appreciate the true beauty of the sound. Although there are no major surprises posed in this collection of songs, it still remains an album of sheer quality. It’s the stillness that The Antlers create within their music that truly draws people in.
Like this? Try: Wild Beasts, Atlas Sound, Shearwater.
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