By: Daniela Patrizi
…And You Will Us By The Trail Of Dead | website | facebook | twitter |
Released on October 20, 2014 via Superball Music
It took me a while before starting writing this review; I’ve been sat facing my computer screen thinking about the right introduction to …And You Will Know Us By The Trail Of Dead ‘s ninth full-length album, IX. So after several trials I think that saying that IX is the confirmation that …And You Know Will Us By The Trail Of Dead haven’t forgotten how to write great and exemplary rock songs is the best start.
For those of you that still don’t know this band, …And You Will Know Us by the Trail of Dead – often abbreviated simply as Trail of Dead (TOD) – are an American alternative rock band from Austin, Texas, formed in late 1994 by singers, guitarists and drummers Conrad Keely and Jason Reece. The current line-up comprehends also Autry Fulbright II (bass, vocals ) and Jamie Miller (drums, guitar). The band is known for their wild, energetic concerts and if it happens that they come to your town I strongly suggest you to go to see them.
I listened to IX countless of times and even now, while I’m writing, it resonates from each corner of my home. Maybe the new album is not as visceral as earlier efforts, but it is no less epic.
IX is a collection of 14 movements spread over more than one hour and it’s an enjoyable experience so that, if you are not familiar with the band, this could be a good place to start diving into the TOD’s music world.
IX starts with a trio of mid-tempo guitar-churning, drum-thundering tracks that don’t burn but provide enjoyable melodies. ‘The Doomsday Book’ is a nice intro to the album but it’s with the following ‘Jaded Apostles’ that I recognize the talent of the Texan band. The aggressive voice of Conrad Keely here is the main instrument that, together with the simmering guitars, create something that sounds genuinely arresting. The poppy ‘A Million Random Digits’ passes without leaving any trace while the chorus of ‘Lie Without a Liar’ will immediately conquer you. This song, together with ‘Bus Lines’, is in line with the TOD’s style and, most important, is passionate and keeps you on the move. ‘The Ghost Within’ is another Conrad Keely-led riot of noise and romance and one of the best tracks of the album.
‘How to Avoid Huge Ships’, the first instrumental track of the album, with its piano, furious chords and the gorgeous simple quiet-loud-quiet dynamic is a brilliant track. I never get tired to listen to it. IX reaches the top with this track and with the approximately seven-minute ‘Lost in the Grand Scheme’. These two songs are works of art that capture the Texan musicians at their best.
The closing tracks, ‘Feelings and How To Destroy Them’ and ‘Tao of the Dead Part III’ do not reflect the power that the band has dissipated some of the visceral energy that characterizes their classic records but they manage to remain interesting and to deliver an album that has its moments and, when it happens, they are brilliant.
Those moments justify the start of my review since TOD are still able to write great and exemplary rock rock songs.
