Review Summary: A lacking detour from progression.
One band that's always reliable to pull something unique out of pocket is Oh Hiroshima. With the release of their previous album
All Things Shining, they pulled off monumental storytelling and breathtaking soundscapes. They're one of the most propulsive modern bands in the scene and it's immensely odd how their previous album received little to no coverage here. Borrowing from Caspian's musicianship and If These Tree Could Talk's earnest atmosphere, Oh Hiroshima carved a name for themselves in the post rock scene and they're ready to take their rightful place as standouts. With this said, it's disappointing to report how
And The Dead Tree Gives No Shelter sees them playing it exceptionally safe.
Everything integral to the band’s sound remains front and center here, up until a point. The only difference is how they pushed the atmosphere back in favor of a more God Is An Astronaut style. With this, the vocals move to the forefront like never before, and mostly for the worse. Post rock can excel with vocals, but in unorthodox ways. A voice can be turned into an instrument like with Sigur Ros or used sparingly like with Caspian. It’s even the same case with
All Things Shining, with the vocals being used in key sections of spectacle that enhance the soundscapes and storytelling. Here the vocals often steal the show of a well performed album and it doesn’t help that they often sound mumbled or asleep at the wheel. Examples of this are “Angelos” and “Tree Of Life.” Both songs have lush atmospheres and exceptional instrumentation but are held back by subpar vocals.
Thankfully, the band can still deliver winning tunes despite a misguided focus on vocals. “Servant To All” has haunting almost western-sounding guitar vibes, along with excellent piano melodies and whispered vocals. It’s cinematic, suspenseful and beautifully performed, especially with skillful drumrolls thrown in there. It proves how the drums are the star of the show. It’s a thought-provoking track with alluring reverb on the comedown. Similarly, “Meridian” sees the listener being thrown into a fray leading to a crescendo. The drumming anchors it all together while being surrounded by engaging walls of sound and reverb.
Oh Hiroshima's sound may not be the most original here, but it’s obvious they dialed it back for unknown reasons. It’s a flawed attempt at continuing their exciting progression as a band. The drums often do the leg work in order for the other instruments to rise and climax. In addition to this the vocals can be immensely distracting to the positives of the album. The good news is the album closer “Exit Cloud” is a perfect showcase and quest of what made
All Things Shining standout. They manage to make their walls of sound infinitely better to the ears. They also inserted strings, both sinister and emotional, into places the listener wouldn’t normally experience them. Judging from this final track, it’s safe to assume their brilliance is alive and well.
And The Dead Tree Gives No Shelter gallops just a little slower, but it’s still worth a few listens for lovers of post rock.
