I have developed a love/hate relationship with this latest record from Chicago four-piece Disappears. Well, not hate, and not love, but let me explain. The first two times I listened, I liked it a lot. The sharp production, precise beats, anchoring bass riff, solid guitar with neat solo in every song, monotone vocals. And then I didn’t like it, for the very same reasons. Now, I’m ambivalent.
Disappears formed in 2008, and have wasted no time in releasing this, their third album, and it’s a very different beast to their debut ‘Lux’. Whereas ‘Lux’ had a raw, under-produced, murky garage feel, ‘Pre Language’ is the pinnacle of its genre, if you consider the pinnacle to be superb production and meticulous writing and performance. Think The Lemonheads’ debut ‘Hate Your Friends’ versus ‘Lovey’ and you get a general idea (although I wouldn’t call ‘Lovey’ the pinnacle of anything).
It’s not long into the first song, ‘Replicate’, that you know pretty much what ‘Pre Language’ holds in store. Step one: start with a bass line from Damon Carruesco and an alternating beat from drummer Steve Shelly (yes, that Steve Shelly) Step two: introduce some psychedelic guitar chords as that steady Krautrock beat waits for the vocals. Step three: Brian Case starts the monotone vocals for a few lines. Step four: Case’s and Jonathan Van Herik’s guitars are let off the leash for a few bars. Step five: Return to step three and then repeat step four until you’ve had enough. Stop.
This is the loose formula for each of the nine songs on this 35 minute record. They all start with a hook covered in a bait you can’t resist and you chomp down on it with expectation, but if the instrumental aspect of the music is the delicious bait, then Case’s vocals can become the knife in the fisherman’s boat.
Part of the appeal of this record is the restraint. It’s got somewhat of a minimalist feel; certainly the 4/4 120 bpm underneath most songs is without fanfare. It keeps marching through the songs with little in the way of dynamics and only occasional variety. The guitar becomes loud and melodic in each song, but never frenzied. The vocals are monotone and, well, when produced to this level and as forward as they are, a little monotonous.
And that’s not the only problem. This sound just doesn’t generate any strong emotional response in me. As I said, I don’t love it and I don’t hate it. It doesn’t make me sad, or happy, or melancholic, or excited. It doesn’t make me stand up, or lie down and fall asleep.
‘Pre Language’ takes some of the best of the indie sounds I grew up with and loved, and presents them in a skilful blend that doesn’t sound especially like anyone else. For some that will mean it’s exciting and original. For others it’s simply likeable.
Released March 01 2012 through Kranky
Posted by Gilbert Potts
