How could I possibly begin to write about a band who has been my favourite for almost 6 years now? Once I heard Put the Beast Out of Mind, which I listened to first, I was completely enthralled!! Mother Reverb only added to my captivation. While I’m sure the influences were present, they didn’t sound anything like the big 4 or 5 Post Rock bands that were most popular at the time. They had a sound that was uniquely American, and unencumbered by pretense or expectation. Just a small bunch of guys making the music they wanted. Well I heard you Glories, and I have been deeply affected since the first few notes I was exposed to.
So distinct is their sound that while I was with my fiancé one night, without mentioning who it was, I started playing the promo for Distant After and she asked very briefly into the first track if it was the new Glories release. This is also telltale for how large of a part Glories has played in the soundtrack of my life, and how dear I personally hold their music.
Distant After is steeped in honour, ceremony, and solemn remembrance. Most importantly it is dedicated to Zackary Cooner who passed away just two and half years ago. A loss that was shared publicly by the band and felt deeply amongst their fans. Their grief is explicit and lucid as expressed through this album. Pain that is almost palpable.
This is obviously a Glories album. With a sound and an idyllic disposition that Zach helped cultivate and form. A feeling that Adam, Dallas, and Kyle are still observing. His influence is present in the composition and obvious in the final masters. But this is not simply an album of sad songs.
Distant After is episodic and almost liturgical in approach. With Zach’s spirit playing along. It is audibly arresting in that it forces you to be still and listen, yet still buoyant with an aural silver lining. Glories seem to always have their pulse on melodies and backline rhythms that permit listeners to become part of the arrangement. Displaying such finesse and maturity with song structure and phrasing more closely associated with storytelling. Creating a narrative arc within music that allows us to choose our own emotion.
There is no artifice of slick post production, just straightforward instrumental ardor. A communion of three brothers in a study of emotions who made an incredibly intimate album that provides us the audience a look into their grieving process. A windswept elegy existing between the exhale and inhale of each moment. Breathing out the pain and breathing in the purpose of moving on in joyful remembrance of those we love.
So a very warm thank you to Glories for allowing us to peer into and share in what a celebration of friendship sounds like to you. I should also highlight Merrilee Challiss for her wonderful work used in yet another Glories album cover art.
