Though I've been listening to Microcastle since the beginning of June, I'm not exactly sure if I'm behind with this review. See, the original release date was October 28th but, as suggested by how long I've had this record, it leaked a little prematurely. Just a little. Rightly disappointed, Deerhunter chose to sell it on itunes in the interim so as to generate a little capital for what is one of the year's better albums.
Their last effort, Cryptograms, generated lots of critical praise. Alongside a thunderously intense live show, Deerhunter rose quickly to the top of the indie radar for creating what lead singer Bradford Cox coined as "ambient punk." Not as aggressive as its predecessor,Microcastle still employs heavy distortion and ambience, although both elements are seemingly more upbeat and positive. When listened to as a whole, there is a palpable sense of a band emerging from its shell of angst and channeling dark imagery in an illuminating way. As an example, standout "Agoraphobia" is about a fear of being trapped, a lonely existence in the modern world. But, set to the upbeat drums and winding guitars, when Bradford croons "I want to fade away, fade away," it feels more like a plea to be taken into the sunset after a perfect summer day than a desire to be released from an overbearing life. Another track with persistent drums, constant bassline, and steady strums, "Nothing Ever Happens," deals with, as the title surprisingly suggests, boredom and a fleeting life.
Not forgetting the drone and ambiance which garnered them fame, Deerhunter still uses dissonance to its advantage by knowing where to intermix the fast with the slow, the soft with the heavy. As on the title track, the song breezes around Bradford's voice for a few minutes until things pick up and the rest of the band speeds through the song's remaining bars. Following is the couplet (Update: The band refers to this series of songs as the suite. More info found here) "Calvary Scars," "Green Jacket," and "Activa" that are drowned in sound and keep things short and sweet, the longest peaking at 2:09. Though not necessarily the most ambient of tracks, "Saved By Old Times" features vocals from fellow Atlantan, Cole Alexander of Black Lips, and modulated samples from old movies.
Markedly positive, Microcastle is the effort of a band that has matured musically, lyrically and individually. And such changes have allowed for growth that should find Deerhunter on everyone's lips, not for their behavior, but for their music. Hopefully though, they haven't changed the decibel levels at their shows and you'll still be able to feel the bone-rattling bass.
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