I posted this in the Alt. Indie forum, but meh, ill post it here. So enjoy!
...And you will know us by the trail of dead-
Source Tags and Codes
The legendary ...And You Will Know Us by the Trail of Dead have released their major-label debut, singularly their finest record to date and the most blistering, blissful album to be released by anyone in years.
...And You Will Know Us By The Trail of Dead is an Austin, Texas based indie-rock band originally formed in 1995. Trail of Dead is (from left to right in the picture), Jason Reece, Neil Busch, Conrad Keely, and Kevin Allen.
1. It Was There (That I Saw You): The first song comes off raging and clearly longing. For what? I dont remember, the bridge blew whatever I was thinking about again. Shrieking, sliding, acrobatic guitars meander over and under a pounding rhythm in the teeth-shattering opener. Bursts of energy are balanced with a beautiful, lazy interlude, which has an effect of creating a real anticipation of the other shoe dropping.
2. Another Morning Stoner: Conrad Keely's vocals have reached a new sense of timing and control (well, controlled chaos), seen on another album standout, "Another Morning Stoner." The latter features a relentless guitar line and lush background orchestration " which is well used and subtle throughout the whole of Source Tags & Codes.
3. Baudelaire: This song is just as strong as the first two, it fits in perfectly, and is a deceptive rocker. Seemingly straightforward, yet resolutely disorienting, it's an outstanding number, with rousing vocals from Neil Busch. Another standout, easily. For those keeping track, that's three for three. Three utterly brilliant songs in as many tries.
4. Homage: All of the tension that has been building up during the previous tracks comes raging out here. Wonderful song, even though the verses are mellower than the first riff, its still overwelming.
5. How Near, How Far: One of the most addictive songs on the album. Stunning lyrics and vocals from Keely ("She stands with arms stretched out/ Towards the mountains and the clouds/ Oil-painted eyes/ They cry and hypnotize/ I swear I know not why/ Those eyes have always left me dry"). And more strings! And horns! Too much to describe. An amazing song, beginning to end. Everything you could ever want out of anything ever.
6. Heart in the Hand of the Matter: Reece returns with this more somber piece, which flows perfectly from the previous track. Again, subtle orchestration and extrordinary performances from the whole band. Chiming pianos, a driving rhythm.
7. Monsoon: One of my favorite tracks on the album, seems to have the best lyrics too. Neil's vocals soars over the (somewhat) diverging, exploratory tune before the numbing, crushing codam, its just epic. Im glad it extends over 5 minutes.
8. Days of Being Wild: Chanted, screamed back-up vocals, sheer wall-of-sound guitars and drums. This is a fun song that doesn't give you a minute to comprehend what you've just heard
9. Relative Ways: Now, straight into a dramatic tune with a pounding riff, Kelly's plaintive vocals ("If it takes a life or a couple of days/ It's coming together in relative ways."), and an intense, consistent build-up to the end. Truely a superb track.
10. After the Laughter: Just some piano and effects in this short 1 minute lullaby, with song quiet singing. I cant really comment on this song, your have to listen to it yourself, but its a good lead into the final track.
11. Source Tags and Codes: A tremendous song to end with. The music and dreary vocals seem very reflective. On an already stellar record, the final, title track is an incredible reminder of everything you think you may have just heard, eliciting an emotion you haven't yet had a chance to sit back and reflect upon. A gorgeous, wonderful, and powerful release of all the feelings they've worked you up into. Again, an intensity, perfectly timed vocals from Kelly; also, they very clearly tie the entire album together with a nice postscript at the end of Source Tags & Codes.
As you can tell bt my review, every track is extraordinary. A palpable excitement is present throughout the whole record, something that, despite all these efforts, is happily, essentially indescribable.
Its an absolutely perfect record.
