What better way to look back at the music of 2009 then by delving into 9 rock albums that shake the skin. Breakthrough Band takes a look at the compact discs that were released to spin endless cycles of inspiration through the last 12 months.
The Dear Hunter – Act III: Life and Death
The latest chapter in the chronicle of a young man who “never did a single good thing in his life”, Act III: Life and Death is The Dear Hunter’s best yet. Combining the fairytale whimsy of Mae, the storytelling chops of Coheed, and the sheer vocal ability of a barbershop quartet, TDH has created an album that is fascinating from start to finish, from the otherworldly and melodic “What it Means To Be Alone”, the grinding stomp of “The Tank”, the explosive “Mustard Gas”, to the cabaret that is “He Said He Had A Story” and the stirring “Son”. Bombastic, burlesque, brilliant.
Oh Sleeper – Son of the Morning
As hard as it was to imagine a worthy follow-up to the band’s debut When I Am God, Oh Sleeper delivered tenfold. Harder, louder, stronger and more powerful from beginning to end, Son of the Morning is a nonstop soundtrack to the Battle to end all Battles. The disc is a look at the final showdown between God and the Devil himself, and the souls that hang in the balance. The title track opens with the boasts of Lucifer, eases into the middle with a chilling song of God calling out to his children on “Reveries of Flight”, and ends with the epic guillotine “The Finisher”. Spiritually powerfully, technically impressive, sonically devastating, Son of the Morning is what will play over the sound-system at Armageddon. And guess what? God wins.
Thrice – Beggars
Following up on the atmospheric Vheissu and the intelligent, metaphysical and brilliant Alchemy Index, Thrice have created a beautiful record, stripped down and simple. Written organically with the four members jamming together in one room, Beggars is a testament to what happens when a band is comfortable enough with each other, trusting to each to carry their own parts, unforced, natural. This approach in no way sacrifices the profound and powerful nature of the music Thrice makes. Each song is a different facet of a whole gem, “All the World is Mad”, “In Exile” and “Beggars” not least among them. Thrice progresses with every record they make, and while the result is always different, it is always unmistakably Thrice.
Mastodon – Crack the Skye
Progressive giants Mastodon are back with another strange trip. Perhaps more precise and controlled than their previous efforts, Crack the Skye is an ethereal journey that tells the story of a doomed Russian princess. More metaphysical and not as completely metal as Blood Mountain or Leviathan, Skye still has its blistering moments. But the by far the standout is the four-part “The Czar: Usurper/Escape/Martyr/Spiral”. Eerie and dismal, Crack the Skye is enormously satisfying.
Manchester Orchestra – Mean Everything to Nothing
This record came from nowhere, but its place toward the top of the list of this year’s best is undeniable. The disc is raucous and roaring rock at its finest, with a few quiet and poignant moments to round it out beautifully. Sounding like the step-brother of Brand New, perhaps the most powerful instrument this record employs is honesty. Candid about church, sin, drugs, death and abuse, the band doesn’t shy away from the hard subjects, but faces them with a cynical smirk, yet leaves the listener with the feeling that everything will be okay, anyway. The straightforward burners “The Only One” and “Shake it Out” give way to the absolutely heartwrenching “I Can Feel a Hot One”. This debut is something of a spiritual and relational journey, and should be given the attention it deserves.
Green Day – 21st Century Breakdown
With American Idiot, Green Day revived their career and redefined themselves for a new era. With 21st Century Breakdown, they have taken it one step further. Political sentiments aside, they have succeeded in capturing the spirit of the troubled age in which we live. While American Idiot was volatile and furious, Breakdown is more melancholy and thoughtful, but still packs a punch. “Song of the Century” opens the disc as a hymn for the times of unrest and weariness we face. Each song is a statement unto itself: “Peacemaker”, “Last of the American Girls”, “Murder City”, “Static Age”, “21 Guns” to name a few. And while the album as a whole is a monument to discontent, it ends with a ray of hope, as Billy Joe sings “I just want to see the Light.” I didn’t think Green Day could do it again. But they did.
As Cities Burn – Hell or High Water
Probably the most surprising of the year, Hell or High Water sees ACB coming off of a rough time, including a line-up change. Under the leadership of former lead guitarist Cody Bonnette, the band underwent a substantial shift in sound, having two post-hardcore notches on their belt. Hell or High Water is mellower, more melodic, bluesy, eclectic and beautiful. “Into the Sea”, “Made Too Pretty” and “Pirate Blues” are the standout tracks. Unfortunately, the changes proved too much for ACB’s fanbase, and the band parted ways shortly after the record’s release.
Fall Out Boy – Folie a Deux
Say what you will about the pop-punk-rock-stars Fall Out Boy, they make good music. FOB stands as leader of the pack in the scene they created, and Folie a Deux may be their best work yet. In a time when fun music seems to have disappeared and melody is a missing friend, this record is a welcome change of pace. Fun and melodic as it is, the record still has its share of sincerity and genuine angst, but it shouldn’t be any other way. “I Don’t Care”, “Headfirst slide into Cooperstown on a Bad Bet” and “20 Dollar Nose Bleed” are few of the goods, but the high point is undoubtedly “What a Catch, Donnie” in which many of the bands peers show up to form a medley of FOB’s past hits.
In Fear and Faith – Your World on Fire
The debut full-length from In Fear and Faith creates a formula and sticks with it for ten songs, but if a formula works, it works. Low-end break-downs punctuate chilling atmospheric synth lines, creating a misty dark world of sound that is dreadful and epic. The title track is a swirling sojourn into darkness, offering up a lesson on how to conquer your own fears. “The Road to Hell is Paved With Good Intentions” is another dark gem, featuring a guest appearance by Craig Owens (formerly of Chiodos), and a gorgeous piano line. Complaints could be made that the disc is the same from beginning to end, but if something sounds good, why not? |
-