| As we grow up, we evolve and we adapt to new situations. This has been explained many times and can be applied to virtually anything. I am not one of those people that is exasperated when a band tries to do something new, or switch up their sound. We, as human beings, are always shifting a lot ourselves, and nothing is ever that constant. Despite what you want to believe, band members are humans, as well. Don't believe the fan-girls when they tell you they are God's. Bands break up, but sometimes the members move on and start new projects. Some of my favorite bands have disbanded, but have moved on to form even more impressive projects.
I am sure you could find quite a few other instances, as well. A Static Lullaby return with their beautiful and stunning self-titled release "A Static Lullaby". I remember the first song I heard from them, "The Shooting Star That Destroyed Us." The track was released on their 2003 album And Dont Forget To Breathe. I was instantly taken in and let my head absorb the music. Brown's vocals are stellar, and his voice is simply beautiful. Have you heard the previous two albums? Are you worried that this won't live up to the hype? After listening to this album, it's evident that this is by far their best release to date.
This is a band that completely refuses to be pigeonholed into one genre. A Static Lullaby are unconventional and their sound mutates and becomes stronger with each album they release. A Static Lullaby is no exception. The album opens up with the emotionally fueled track "Hang 'Em High." It is clear the band have been doing a lot of experimenting with their music because the song is something you may not expect. The guitar work is scattered and raucous in sound. The lyrics are presumptuous. The percussion is the perfect compliment. In the simplest way put, this song is an astonishing work of art. The second track off of the album, "Contagious", is the portrait for emotions. the guitar is overwhelming and authoritative. It takes full control of this track and completes this song for me. The appropriately titled song, "Eager Cannibals", is an eerie track that is made up of static and subtle background noise, and though there is no use of anything different with this track than the rest, it is appealing, nonetheless.
As if the band decided to take a one hundred and eighty degree turn in their music, "Stare At The Air" comes through the speakers with a mellow, dramatic entrance. Everything seems to have slowed down and they make a strong focus on Brown's exquisite vocals. The lyrics have a lot of heartfelt references that make the song even more poignant. The track opens with "It's In The Air." As far as lyrical content goes for the previous songs, these lyrics are the most shocking. In keeping with tradition of the change, "Static Slumber Party" is just as slow and emotional as it's predecessor. The next song exits the album with a bang one of the best tracks on the album and most technical songs out of this treat "Mechanical Heart."
A Static Lullaby have succeeded in creating an album that will be definitive in the years to come. It is clear to see that this release is going to be sticking around for a while. I can guarantee that up and coming bands will be referring to this for influence and motivation to make music in the future. This is a band that is notorious for talking shit on what the mainstream is trying shove in your face. This is music that pushed the envelope, and this is a band that has made a promise to always change their sound. You will not find yourself bored with them. A Static Lullaby will have you attached after seconds of listening to this album.
~ Wayne
October 12 2006 |
