Review Summary: Cymbals Eat Guitars have managed to create one of the best indie rock debut albums in the past decade.
One of the greatest feelings in life is being unexpectedly blown away by an album. Usually when you check out a band, it's because you have heard good reviews about them. However, from time to time, you decide to download an album based off of a single you heard or just by the interest of how they sound based off of their description. There are times when you start this unheard of album, and you slowly start to pick up elements from each song. Everything starts to come together, and by the end of it, you are amazed that you have never heard of this band until now. That is Cymbals Eat Guitars's debut album,
Why There Are Mountains.
I was a bit skeptical at first. From the amount of albums I download, the majority of them are decent indie albums. I am used to hearing the same type of style, the same type of filler song, the same type of overused music cliche. And yet,
Why There Are Mountains is perfectly guilty of that. In fact, you could go as far as to say that
Why There Are Mountains is totally made up of your typical indie rock songs. In spite of this, Why There Are Mountains is vastly different from any album I have heard recently. Cymbals Eat Guitars manage to take influences from Built to Spill, early Modest Mouse, and even Pavement to form an album so great and so rich in detail, that it may be the most compelling release of 2009 so far. Despite being simple, it proves that going back to the basics can be completely successful.
"And The Hazy Sea" is the type of monumental starter this album needs. With an emotionally charged beginning, it soon slows down, showing a softer and more melodic side. The song then hits you back, showing off even more anger and power, only to yet again slowly let go and slip away. A crucial moment happens towards the halfway point: "And The Hazy Sea" seems to be completely gone, somehow defeated. However just like the beginning of the song, you are pummeled by an emotional indie rock climax like no other. Subsequently, "And The Hazy Sea" slows down into a distorted and effect riddled jam. The band, together more than ever, finally end the song once and for all.
Something to take note about with
Why There Are Mountains is that there really is no low point during the album. The amount of effort and production put towards this album is so well done, that each song could potentially be a fan favorite. "Some Trees", although starting with a slow groove, turns into a up-tempo punk affair. "Indiana" shows off more traditional indie rock colors with the inclusion of horns and piano.
"Wind Phoenix", arguably the strongest song on the album, continues to build and build. With outstanding vocals, an amazing chorus, and all around fantastic structure, it is already one of my favorite tracks of the year.
I could conceivably do a short review of the rest of the album, but at what purpose?
Why There Are Mountains is an album you will have to listen to yourself, and something you should appreciate during your first listen. There is no question in my mind that these guys will make it big, and I really hope they do. In fact, I would be surprised if Cymbals Eat Guitars does not succeed in making it big in the indie scene. Why?
Why There Are Mountains is an album that is immediately addictive, undoubtedly enjoyable, and full of an outstanding replay value.
