Sun Washes Over Me
Anathallo are one of those bands that just can't kick anybody out. Rather than have a revolving lineup of four or five guys -- a different drummer on this record, new horn player on this one -- they just cram all of them onstage at the same time, light the fuse and see what happens. At its core, this music is the same angular midwestern mathcore that we've seen for years. And I use mathcore in terms of bands like Cap'n Jazz or whatever. You know what I'm talking about.
But it's also slow and steady, building with a confident horn section, roiling toms and a sweet sense of the Epic. This isn't just a song. Frankly, I don't know what it is. I'm not entirely 100% behind this band... although I'm positive that if this came out in the mid 90s I would've shouted their name to the rafters. However, I'm really interested in what they're trying to do. It's not quite an american version of Sigur Ros, but they might be somewhat interested in that. And once the screaming kicks in at the four minute mark (yeah, it's an 8 minute song), things really start to get exciting and you can see how this gaggle of guys up on a stage could really throw together an amazing show.
Somehow it all works. The constantly shifting guitar line -- reminiscent of pre-rhythm-guitar Modest Mouse -- and the soft Canadian Brass horns come together to create an entirely unique sound. It reminds me of so many things. And while the lead singer seems to be a little too on the emo side of things for me, I definitely respect their aspirations and instrumentation.
You can pick up the band's Holiday At Sea EP directly from the band for $5.