Customer Reviews

Keep in Mind Frankenstein

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4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
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1 star:		(0)

 

 

It's only been slightly over a year since one of my recent favorite albums, Grand Archives' self-titled debut, was released. Yet among the countless times I've listened to that record and the 3 times (and counting) I've seen them live, I've always wanted to hear more. So needless to say I was quite surprised and even more so excited to find out their sophomore effort was going to be released so soon afterward. I was, however, rather nervous to hear what direction the band would take following the departure of member Ron Lewis. His gorgeous harmonized vocals and multi-instrumentation was always something I loved about the band. While the sound of this album is slightly different from the previous, there simply aren't enough wonderful things I can say about it. Mat Brooke and crew took more of a somber approach with this record, sprinkled occasionally with bits of the more upbeat sounds from the last one. The album opens with a heartbreaking account of Topsy, a circus elephant that came to an untimely and cruel end for the spectacle of entertainment. From there, the album continues like a roller coaster of emotions, taking the listener through like a captivating stage musical. I couldn't help myself from forming beautiful and sometimes tragic images in my head to go along with the music. This is a deep, incredibly crafted album that begs to be listened to with great attention. Hopefully it will grow on everyone else the way it has on me, and hopefully will continue to for much longer.

I waited quite a while to purchase this album as I was sad to hear that the keyboardist had left the band. While not exactly a piano band, the songs on the great first album did integrate the keyboards heavily into the songs (hell, look at the album cover).

Gotta give them credit, they overcame the missing element rather well. A heavier emphisis on the other instraments along with the occasional Harmonica or Bottle Harp, the songs don't end up feeling like much is missing.

The songwriting and harmonys are not quite up to par as the first album but quite good. The feel of the songs are still often atmospheric and pleasent. Topsy's Revenge is the only really dark song, but well done and may make you tear up a bit.

Highlights are:
Dig that Crazy Grave
Whichy Park/Tomrrow (both parts are good but different)
Left for all the Strays