Godspeed You Black Emperor! - Lift Your Skinny Fists Like Antennas To Heaven
(Kranky)
With the release of their EP "Slow Riot For A New
Zero Kanada" Godspeed You Black Emperor! achieved as
close to perfection as is possible for a sound
recording. After such a release, It is difficult to
think that the next release can be anything but a
disappointment. While "Lift Your Skinny Fists Like
Antennas To Heaven" (from this point referred to as
LYSF) may not reach the level of perfection of the
previous EP, it is still far, far, far away from a
disappointment.
I won't bother with long-adjective filled
descriptions, because I figure most people by now are
at least somewhat familiar with Godspeed's apocalyptic
style of epic rock. The basic formula has stayed the
same--the flair for dynamics is still present,
although maybe a little more refined. In LYSF, there
seems to be a new emphasis on the rhythm section. The
drums are present in more places than in just the
chaotic climaxes, in fact there are quite a few
midtempo interludes, which, in my opinion, make this
record.
The tone of the album, at least in places, seems to
be a little bit more determined and hopeful than
hopeless and resigned. The album begins with a horn
interlude that builds to an anthem-like tempo, which
sounds almost like a inspirational call to arms. This
interlude dissipates into a string drone overlaid with
a simple guitar theme to the tune of amazing grace
which is also quite inspirational. This beginning is
a stark departure for the apocalyptic beginning of
their debut f#a#infinity.
The album, of course, is not without its moments of
chaotic climax, and the curiously eerie sound-bytes are
well represented. These Godspeed calling cards,
however, are joined by a new sort of confidence and
coherence (probably the result of endless touring).
The highlight, for me, of the album is in the climax
of the final track, "Antennas to Heaven"; the
characteristic wailing guitars and strings are
undergirded with a bass line that is far more
prominent than most on the album, which adds a breadth
to the song that makes it nearly overwhelming.
From the release of Godspeed You Black Emperor's
first album, critics have been gushing over them.
This enthusiasm, however, although overplayed is well
deserved. I, for one, am happy to join this throng of
gushing critics and add a few of my own gushes. This
album, although maybe not quite as consistently good
as "Slow Riot For A New Zero Kanada" is pretty close,
and even the second best Godspeed You Black Emperor!
release is far better than most other releases.
|
