Deafheaven have had their authenticity called into question pretty much since signing to Deathwish Inc. Mostly by fanatic kvlt types due to their black metal elements. For those of us however that love extreme music, rather than wear it as a badge of honour Deafheaven are a dream come true.
For some reason the concept of authenticity kept swirling round my head when reviewing Sunbather. I thought back to the NME questioning Ritchie Edward's (of Manic Street Preachers) punk ethics. Resulting in Ritchie cutting "4 REAL" into his arm with a razor blade, and soon before he disappeared off the face of the planet. Deafheaven however don't need to go to that extreme. It's cut into the grooves of this record and easily displayed for all who hear it.
Kerry McCoy and George Clarke have poured their soul into their second full length Sunbather. From Clarke's impassioned tortured screams to McCoy's heartfelt and raw guitar. It's an album of incredible growth and one that should see them gain wider recognition. Lyrically, themes range from longing, self analysis, loss and guilt. Musically it surpasses Roads to Judah, while retaining the ferocity and awe inspiring moments of the debut. In fact it broadens both facets in stunning and often jaw dropping fashion. Much has and will be said off their mixture of black metal, shoegaze and post-rock elements. Fact is while relevant, Sunbather is a remarkable piece of music, regardless of genre.
Music for me is as much about feel as sound and Deafheaven put you through the emotional wringer on their second full length. With a much richer and fuller sound, at times the dynamics are overpowering. The addition of Dan Tracy on drums is a master-stroke, as he provides a more intricate and dominating presence to the rhythm. At times propelling everything forward and equally holding it down on the quieter moments with authority.
Deafheaven haven't strayed too far from the formula used on Roads to Judah. Instead they've expanded on it and damn well almost perfected it. Opener 'Dream House' is a break-neck gallop of power until the closing section of Edge influenced guitar and Clarke passionately yelling "I want to dream". It sticks in the head for days and is both uplifting and despairing in equal doses.
Elsewhere 'Irresistible', 'Please Remember' and 'Windows' are shorter tracks woven into the longer ones. They range from instrumental delicate and beautiful acoustic passages and warped guitar melody incorporating samples of street hustling. These tracks themselves are highlights individually. The title track is familiar and equally impressive as 'Dream House' and again would be stand out on any album. However the last two long tracks 'Vertigo' and 'The Pecan Tree' are another level completely.
'Vertigo' is appropriately titled as the opening section matches the description I get from someone who suffers from it. A swirling riff echoing the dizziness and nausea, leads into a full out metal solo before the assault of pummeling rhythm takes over. At near 15 minutes the track twists and turns and features too many jaw dropping moments to list. Throughout Sunbather the dedication Kerry McCoy puts into his guitar sound is apparent and its only a matter of time before he gets more recognition for it as well as their writing as a group.
'The Pecan Tree' closes Sunbather, again over ten minutes it starts with apocalyptic rage before transcending in sounds and styles. Bringing elements of so much music together in their own unique way. It's an emotional charged track of monumental scale. Drums roll out like thunder, everything drops out as McCoy plucks melodies from the ether. Is this real?, you question before gentle piano led melodies transport you off again. All this and so much more before the track fades out. Honestly it's one of the best things you will hear.
In truth words can't do what's on offer justice fully. An album of incredible depth and quality. Much will be said of Deafheaven and this album in years to come. Just make sure you actually listen to 'Sunbather' before deciding where you stand. Available to pre-order now through Deathwish Inc including immediate download.
