2 keepers
keeper avg .166
The first Braid album in 16 years begins literally with "Bang," an ambitiously textured combination of syncopation, staccato riffs, and dead stops which, along with the similar title track, is a bit too punchy for its own good. In comparison, Chris Broach's "East End Hollows"**** is expansive and energetic, substituting a surprisingly Beatle-esque progression for the usual angular riffing in the chorus, and has one of the only lyrics in the album that at least seems to be easy to interpret:
Another friend to never call on
Another night to be forgotten
But you take these dreams and throw them out the window
Speaking of Broach "Damages!"**** is merely an interesting tune until his "Someone, please Call the police, I can’t compete with your damages" chorus blasts in; Bob Nanna may be the less-bad singer, usually crooning unobtrusively, while Broach cuts through any mix like a siren, adding energy in the process. Broach's "Many Enemies" (a true punk song at 2:35) is probably not deliberately political as it was written a couple years before the current occupation, but the last lines seem timely.
Ask for the truth
And you get it
Believe what you want
The truth could be anything
Also, I wouldn't expect a political song from Braid, but with phrases "business is good", "for the debt of the middle", "I will take 100, you can take just 1", and "We can get across
In time to our daughters and sons" Broach's "This Is Not A Revolution" sounds similarly topical. Not to suggest this is a Broach album, as Bob Nanna fills out most of the album. "Put Some Wings On That Kid" and "Lux" are both strong, energetic tracks (the latter sounds a lot like "Arial" from Frame And Canvas), the tense break that introduces the coda of "Climber New Entry" is compelling, and "Light Crisis" has a graceful swing to support complex guitar melodies. But I do have the feeling Broach has upped his game while Nanna is skillfully but aimlessly recreating Everynight Fire Works.
Comments