Radar Brothers - And the Surrounding Mountains
(Merge)
In the past few years, when you think of a build in rock music, you think of epic ten minute long tracks that take as inspiration the size and scope of classical music, transforming it into large scale apocalyptic rock. The Radar Brothers' music is epic and builds, but that isn't intended to relate it to other current artists who exploit the build. Instead, go back further in rock music; go back to The Beatles. You know that part in "Hey Jude" where Paul McCartney stops trying to use words to cheer up Julian, but instead turns the song into an anthem of "na-na-na-na"s, taking his sad song and making it better?
That change from simple pop cheer-up lyrics to something more dense, powerful, and forceful is the starting off point for the Radar Brothers' third album, And the Surrounding Mountains, taking slowed-down guitar progressions and soft, almost-muted vocals, and then folding over layer upon layer of other instruments until the songs blossom with warmth and beauty. The connection to "Hey Jude" is solidified with the leadoff track, "You and the Father," as the melody of the guitar part that sparks the song's expansion closely mirrors McCartney's classic song.
The beauty of "You and the Father" pales in comparison to the second song, "On the Line," which doesn't as much blossom as it does burst open with rays of sunshine. The vocals of the chorus shimmer as a downward piano progression soothes the soul with its gentle, moderate pace. Songs like this and "Mountains" have a wonderful effect on the listener, as not only do they calm the mind, but they awaken the senses, making you feel like everything can be taken in stride.
"Mountains" is a much darker song, however, as the guitars take a much more ominous tone, following a slow, brooding progression that seems to tower over the listener much like the songs' title suggests. As an organ-sounding keyboard creates a trembling background and a whistler whistles a solitary melody, lyrics speak of impending doom at sea and reasons to be scared of the future.
Much of the album is dark, lyrically, and much of it has strong religious undertones. The crucifixion and floods are used as allegory, and much of the album sings of the evil in a very black and white sense. However, the album doesn't use religion in a preachy manner (the lyrics are much too cryptic for that), rather using these religious undertones to convey strength, as a way to get through this mess.
While being slow-paced and soft, The Radar Brothers' music still is able to achieve epic and majestic qualities. It is able to expand in all directions and cover you with its warm glow. It is able to tower over you and make you feel powerless. It is able to lift you up and help carry you through the day. In other words, And the Surrounding Mountains is powerful music.
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