Review Summary: An interesting and hard to describe album with a catchiness that hides something much deeper underneath.
Meridian is one of those albums that is inexplicably unknown. At first glance, it is composed of pretty basic indie rock music. In fact I almost overlooked the album, but something about it drew me in, and eventually I grew to love it as much as I do now. However, looking back I don't see how I could have not loved this band at first listen. There is a certain immediate catchiness to it, but beyond that is great depth.
Pinegrove has very eclectic influences, but is still extremely cohesive. At times, there is a bit of math/emo influence, but noodly guitars are sparse on the album. Elsewhere can be found a post-rock build-up, but the longest song on the album is 6 minutes, and the vocals are very central on every track. Maybe even jam rock shows up on grooving tracks such as Palisade or Mather Knoll, and on every track can be found intricate drum rhythms and rhythmic guitar chords. Sunday starts out with a folksy guitar part, but quickly transitions into noodling guitars and a build-up reminiscent of more brief, emo-influenced post-rock bands. But the vocals are perhaps the one element that holds it all together. They are loose and free-sounding, not often adhering to strict rhythm or melody for very long. The backup vocals are present on every track and are also very integral to the bands unique sound; perhaps the best example of this is Morningtime, undoubtedly one of the best tracks on the album. The backup vocalist sings beautiful harmonies all throughout the song, adding to the depth.
The final aspect of the album is the lyrics. They fit the album perfectly: interesting, hard to describe, and with an apparent meaning which may or may not hide something much deeper underneath. The final lines of the album perhaps do the best to represent the general feeling: "I never kept good touch. But it’s alright, you never expected much," leaving you mournful yet somehow happy and ready to move on.
With
Meridian, Pinegrove has created a masterpiece that deserves at least some recognition. I doubt anything they create can get much better than this, but I am still in anticipation, and hope they can become the influential and well-respected band they have shown they deserve to be.
