Review Summary: Our knowledge has made us cynical, our cleverness hard and unkind. We think too much and feel too little: More than machinery we need humanity; More than cleverness we need kindness and gentleness. Without these qualities, life will be violent and all wil
Up until last week I wasn't even aware of a local music scene but thankfully to the kind folks hanging around the entrance to The Talent Farm I was introduced to some pretty cool bands. A conversation developed between me and these random high-school kids. It began with Touche Amore and blackgaze, evolved into dolphin rape and closed out with a "dude you better check out World's Strongest Man they're pretty good" recommendation. So I took heed of that advice. And what I found was a pretty nifty post-rock band taking cues from emo, indie rock and math rock.
"Every Woman Wishes To Wed" is a four track, mostly instrumental affair that boasts sociological themes and dynamic songwriting. The guitars are the primary focus, often making use of the genre's staple traits. Soft to heavy dynamics, twinkly melodies, soaring crescendos and so forth. In addition some screamed vocals, stop-start rhythms and offbeat riffage are incorporated into their cogent sound bringing in a mathy screamo element. The contrast between the two styles is significant because of how well they accentuate one another. Despite the shifting from soft to heavy or low to fast, the band keep the music engaging and accessible due to their exceptional musical talent. The songwriting is passionate and inspired, ambitious and expressive yet fluid in it's delivery. Nothing comes off as sounding forced or disjointed and for that I give World's Strongest Man two thumbs up.
A prominent message of hope and optimism radiates throughout this recording. The album title alone indicates that. The message is furthered through the opening sequence of "This Is Nothing Like Riding a Bike" which takes a page from the great Charlie Chaplin with his impassioned Great Dictator speech. "We think too much and feel too little." Once the music begins the mood still remains sunny and optimistic. That's the thing I like about this album. The mood. World's Strongest Man play music with real emotion and a real sense of positivity that affects me deeply. These days I rarely feel happy or maintain high spirits for long so when something like this comes along it leaves me feeling satisfied and in a better emotional state. Something that black metal really cant do for me. This isn't quintessential by any means but it's worthy of your time.
