…And You Will Know By The Trail Of Dead (Trail Of Dead for short) are perhaps one of the worlds most critically successful bands, and this is because of their continuing efforts to produce albums that fulfill the expectations of their critics and fans alike. This is simply because of the crossing of musical borders that make it impossible to label them under any genre, comparisons to bands other bands have been drawn, but are they valid? I say nothing out there compares to Trail Of Dead, and this is because Worlds Apart demonstrates this perfectly.
The review for the album will not be one of those “ I love this album, but it’s no Source Tags and Codes” reviews, I think this album can stand by itself, it just had the disadvantage of following one of the greatest alternative albums of the last decade. If this album had of preceded Source Tags and Codes, I feel the shoe would be on the other foot. But enough overview without hesitation here is Worlds Apart.
Ode To Isis (1:16): To begin the album, a few piano keys are struck, and then voices come in at the next phrase. These voices entrance the listener into what they are about to hear, and the drums that back them provide a great background for the voices. With the inclusion of violins and other strings instruments, a beautiful melody is created. The final scream after the large build up readies the listener for the next track, all in all great opening track (5/5)
Will You Smile Again (6:50): the riff that begins this song is frantic and encapsulating, the drum work, as well as the backing percussion is great and gives the song a big sound. Also during the intro, the strings present create a great back ground melody. Once the long introduction is over, horns announce the beginning of the vocal presence. The slow delivery of the lyrics increases the sense of intimacy. When the drums re-enter, they pound along with the lyrics to re-build all the momentum gone since the guitars were last present. When the guitars re-enter a chaotic atmosphere is unleashed, as well as several screams from the singer, this provides a great outlet for next track, and builds the rest of the album nicely. (5/5)
Worlds Apart (2:55): YAAAAAY! Hey F*&k you man, these, words announce the title track for the album. The spiraling guitar sound accompanies a nice vocal melody, along with similar rolling drum styling that was present in the other tracks. The irony of this song is that the music disguises a biting social commentary that has been observed by the lyricist. The closing of the song is marked by fading out the drum cymbals, and the noises of birds and other creatures, these noises allow the music to sink in and allow the next track to begin on a quiet note. (5/5)
The Summer of ’91 (3:12): Although I may be flamed for this, I will say that this track reminds me heavily of Oasis in their prime, although the classic Trail Of Dead slant has been put on the track. The piano and vocal introduction a very nice departure from the overbearing nature of Worlds Apart, and the inclusion of guitar at the end of the track is a very nice addition. The vocals increase in their severity throughout the track, and the track ends with the ringing of the piano and a woman speaking, this track is a great track, and leads directly into the next track. (4/5)
The Rest Will Follow (3:20): the crashing of guitars and drums broadcasts the opening of this track, then again, a twist is taken before the entering of the vocals, and a different melody is taken during the verse, as well as a slight change in pacing. The rolling drums are the stand out in this track to me, and with the inclusion of a percussionist, Trail Of Dead have capitalised upon this by making good use of his skills. The bridge again slows down and rebuilds the song for a grand finale that includes a great drum roll that bursts the song back into the opening riff. Great closing (5/5)
Caterwaul (4:52): Perhaps the greatest song on the album, and the song that reminds me most of their earlier days. With a change in vocalist, a different mood is produced. The riff to begin the track is a great one and really builds on the energy created by the previous track. The chorus has a great mix of vocals and frantic drums and guitars. The bridge of this song is my personal favourite highlight of the album, and slows the song down, only to once again rebuild it, after another build up from the drums. The vocals during this bridge are longing and very heartfelt. Once the song is again launched back into the raw energy previously shown in the verse and chorus, a great feeling is again crafted. My personal highlight of the album. (5/5)
A Classic Arts Showcase (5:47): I feel this song labours in parts, and doesn’t fully take control of the energy left behind by Caterwaul. However this is only during the verse, as the chorus is a great one, the drums again do not really produce your standard beat as always, but do produce a great swagger for the song. The vocals as always are of great standard, and the pre chorus launches the listener into a great chorus full of screaming and the sort. The bridge of this song is the highlight of the song, and is full of strings, guitars, and keyboard generated noises that can be heard faintly. The drumming in this part of the song is also great. Once again after a large build up, a release occurs, and the chorus is once again present. (4/5)
Let It Dive (4:45): This song is perhaps the most accessible song on the album, but is by no means the worst. This song has one of their greatest choruses they have ever written, and is tied for my favourite song on the album along with Caterwaul. The verse has a slow and nice feel to it, and leads great into the chorus. Trail Of Dead are once again on a roll after the previous tracks have created beautiful piano pieces in the bridge and endings of the songs. It’s hard to describe just how beautiful this song is, and the chorus are a great example of just how great Trail Of Dead can create a melody. (5/5)
To Russia My Homeland (1:25): this is a great classical piece, and the strings and drums in this song are exemplary. The strings solo will stay with me for some time and will be a great memory of this album. Although sort and not what many people may consider to be a song by itself, I feel it is one the best parts of this album, and is certainly not filler. (4.5/5)
All White (1:49): this song begins with just vocals and piano, but all the instruments enter after one line, and produce a large sound. However they again leave during the next line, but once again come back. The “chorus” of this song is a good one, and gets across the mood that they are trying to present with this album. The piano in this song is the highlight for me, and is great. One of the albums shorter songs, but I feel that this is the appropriate length. Great track (5/5)
The Best (4:47): this album again returns to the similar drum and guitar sound. However with this track, I have to say the bass, is the best instrument present because of the slides during the opening. The introduction deceives the listener, as you begin to think that this song is going to be just like the other songs that came before. The verse changes this and slows the song down, but does not halter progress made by other songs on the album. Throughout the verses, there are several places where you think they will get underway into a distorted heavy chorus, but the chorus that presents itself is quite subdued, but by no means is it boring, but is instead a great example of the tranquility that some of this album enjoys. This song ends with the name of the song being repeated over and over, backed by guitars. However the true end of this song is a cello and vocals chanting the lyrics to the chorus of Worlds Apart accompanied by a woman crying. Great ending (4.5/5)
The Lost City Of Refuge (4:00): this song is not one of my favourites, however it is still a good song. A very swelling guitar riff is played, backed by an almost industrial sounding drum beat. The chorus is again like several other songs on the album, but still has its own charm to it, and the drums reappear providing a great backing. The song ends with some high pitched strings and piano, as well as some guitar. Then silence closes the album. (4/5)
This album has been frequently listened to since I bought it, and with each listen I find new things that intrigue me. This album is my personal favourite release of 2005, and will continue to be by the looks of things. I recommend this album to those who have or have not heard any of Trail Of Dead’s early work, and to those who wish to try something different. This album will go down as one of the greatest albums of the last while in my books, and hopefully other people feel the same. Great album, great band, great future. I look forward to their next release and await the many years of enjoyable music that this band will provide.
Final Rating: 5/5
