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Rating: Despite what my nickname might suggest, I'm not a punk rock purist. This is evidenced by my passion for some bands that, between the Eighties and Nineties, emerged in the crowded indie world with a minimal and skeletal approach, indebted to the angst-filled atmospheres of Joy Division as well as the emotionality of the Smiths, married with slow and reflective cadences.
Galaxie 500, Codeine come to mind, and, let's get to the point, Low. They are among the bands that have moved me the most recently, bringers of masterpieces (and if not such, they come close) like "Secret Name" and "Trust", both permanent residents in my CD player. Two years ago, with the release of the "bewildering" (but not in a negative way) "The Great Destroyer", we could discover how they wanted to change. Now we are given confirmation with this "Drums & Guns", in which, for the first time, the duo Alan Sparhawk/Mimi Parker is joined by the new bassist Matt Livingston. The album strikes from the outset, with the dark litany "Pretty People", where the sound of the guitar is significantly lowered to make room for loops and drum machines, regular guests of the album, but the extraordinary vocal duets between the Sparhawk couple remain, filled with an almost overwhelming intensity. "Belarus", in which the guitar disappears entirely, is an example of this, and leaves you quite puzzled (however live, as demonstrated in recent concerts of the Italian tour, the effects are created by Alan with the pedalboard itself). But here comes the gem: "Hatchet", a POP! track where their voices collide perfectly, supported by the "usual" drum machine and giving the environment around us as we listen a kind of aura that distances us from the rest. It continues through more (Dust On A Window) and slightly less (Dragonfly) beautiful tracks, but probably the impression is given by the shock from this new move by the trio. Nonetheless, the conclusion with the "spiritual" "Violent Past" speaks for itself, meaning it makes us understand how Low is always a great band and how this album is (only?) a good chapter in their discography.
What will the next move be? Personally, I can't wait to find out, hoping they craft a little pop masterpiece like "Immune" (from "Secret Name", the soundtrack of my (heavy) journeys to school.
Tracklist Lyrics and Videos
03 Breaker (02:53)
Our bodies break
And the blood just spills and spills
But here we sit debating math
It's just a shame
My hand just kills and kills
There's gotta be an end to that
There's gotta be an end to that
07 Dust on the Window (04:12)
Dust on the window
The sun's darkened angle
Write your initials with mine
At this time tomorrow
I'll be just one day closer
One sunset further behind
In the morning I'll make up my mind
Always a whisper
Worthless and tender
A break in my arm that won't heal
You lie like a shadow
Your breath on my pillow
You won't let me keep what I steal
Tell me where can a girl get a meal?
09 Your Poison (01:13)
I've spent a lot of time
Good people
Trying to make it rhyme
Good people
It gave my mind a little place to hide
If you don't like my lines
Good people
You better open wide
Good people
Call the chief, it has become my belief that your tongue is the weapon
You cut what you reap with your poison
Your poison
Your poison
Your poison
12 Murderer (03:43)
One more thing before I go
One more thing I'll ask you, lord
You may need a murderer
Someone to do your dirty work
Don't act so innocent
I've seen you pound your fists into the earth
And I've read your books
Seems that you could use another fool
Well, I'm cruel
And I look right through
You must have more important things to do
So if you need a murderer
Someone to do your dirty work
13 Violent Past (03:37)
All I can do is fight
Even if I know you're right
All I can do is fight
Pretty fingers holding fast
Maybe it's your violent past
Maybe it's your violent past
All you can do is hide
God bless the darkness of the night
All you can do is hide
Pretty fingers, the golden calf
Maybe it's your violent past
Maybe it's your violent past
Maybe it's the violet path
Maybe it's your violent past
Maybe it's the violet path
Maybe it's your violent past
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By rushgino
Low has perfectly merged their music with an external component like electronic music.
Ones and Sixes is an enveloping album that cradles the listener in sweet lullabies alternating with strong pop-inspired jolts.
