Shadowy, atmospheric rock with as much balls as brains.

The Big Sleep - Sleep Forever
Posted by Laila Hanson on 28-May-08 @ 01:39 PM

[4/5]
With their second album, The Big Sleep throw away the textbook and concentrate on the last half of the math-rock equation. This brooding Brooklyn trio's winding arrangements build tension in jagged, noisy, overlapping riffs, minor-chord melodies and a steadfast pulse, relying more on their wiry, caterwauling textures than the typical slow-build dynamic release of most post-rock instrumentalists. Bassist Sonya Balchandani and guitarist Danny Barria alternate lead vocals on four tracks in the middle of the album, like a tasty nougat center, highlighted by the churning "Bad Blood," which recalls Pretty Girls Make Graves. Opening the album, "Slow Race" features a reverb-drenched guitar intro, then builds for another 45 seconds before igniting with a guitar screech like a jet engine blast. It's an example of how, while moody, their soundscapes still rock and-unlike many of their pensive prog-oriented peers-feel more like songs than dissertations. (FRENCH KISS) Chris Parker


Official Website: http://www.frenchkissrecords.com


Comments

Post a Comment

No comments yet!