Formed in late 1994 by singers/guitarists/drummers Conrad Keely and Jason Reece, And You Will Know Us By The Trail of Dead had their big breakthrough in 2011 with the album Tao Of The Dead. That album was a spiralling barrage of sound mixed with some softer moments. As with that album, I am not sure that prog aficionados will appreciate this outing. In fact, there could be an argument that this isn't really prog at all. But if you take away any sort of genre attachment, what have we got? There is still a lot of distorted guitars and heavy drumming but there are tunes here and dare I say it: pop songs. At times they even sound a little like U2. Songs like The Ghost Within and Like Summer Tempests Came His Tears are quite soft contrasting with the energetic Jaded Apostles and Doomsday Book. How To Avoid Huge Ships is not only a great title but is an instrumental that grows and grows from a simple piano and cello to all out attack with guitars and bass and drums. This is an album that deserves some attention. It won't appeal to everyone but if you like your music loud and brash with some nice melody then you will enjoy this. ***+ Dave Smith Where to buy? |
