Review Summary: Ironically, the album never fully collapses under its own weight as the band’s name suggests, but it’s still a bit derivative nonetheless.
There are certain types of bands or albums in the post rock community who don’t strive to accomplish anything outside of the box. God is an Astronaut and Explosions in the Sky exist as two prominent examples of this type of music, for better and for worse. Both of them respectively created exceptional, memorable albums, while serving as ideal entry-level post-rock bands. However, when it comes to
Shoulders and Giants by Collapse Under the Empire, it brings a couple of intriguing percussion motifs to the table. However, one can't help but be reminded of the previous bands in question. As soon as the listener throws on the album, it’s clear that the frequent use of synths and flashy guitar playing can’t fully save this album because of how standard and derivative of the former bands it is. While those bands definitely fall victim to being derivative as well, Collapse Under the Empire uses these influences a bit too excessively here. The result is an enjoyable listen that more often than not goes in one ear and out the other due to a generic delivery. It also doesn't help that most of the songs never really changing anything up structurally or sonically.
Shoulders and Giants is immediately hard to hate because of the accessibly uplifting atmosphere it conveys and how well composed it proves to be. Take “Shoulders” for example, with it providing a synth-driven atmosphere bursting at the seams with tranquil tremolo picking and an overall spacey vibe. It hits the nail on the head when it comes to providing a well done space rock/post rock song, and its companion song “Giants” is no exception. Filled with the same guitar style, cool drumming techniques and a been-there-done-that crescendo, both of these songs foreshadow what the rest of the album will sound like quite nicely. Far from bad, but at the same time never blowing the listener’s mind, it’s your run-of-the-mill atmospheric post rock album. Even with this said, it’s exactly what the build was trying to be here, and that’s quite alright.
Lack of originality aside, there fortunately does exist a few impressive tracks. “The Last Reminder” excels in providing beautifully textured guitar work. The drums soar and the bassline doesn't disappoint so it serves as one of the more exceptionally crafted songs on the record. “The Sky is the Limit” functions in a similar vein due to how emotional the buildup proves to be. The engaging atmosphere and brooding drumming gives the song a much needed element of character that most of the album significantly lacks. Out of its ten track run, these two songs serve as a testament to how this is an album that’s hard to hate.
Out of all of the notable positives one could give this record, the drumming is certainly the key aspect that makes it worthwhile. In “After the Thaw,” the compelling drumming heightens the effect of the generic tremolo picking. It gives the song a sense of relatable urgency. The percussion in “Days of Freezing” also gives it a small dose of character due to its somewhat tribal style. However, what it really comes down to is that more of the songs function in the same manner. The structure of the songs never change, and the band never truly develops their own sound. Even with that said, the album definitely soothes the listener due to its frequently chilled out vibe and warm atmosphere. Ironically, the album never really collapse on itself as the band’s name suggests. It’s the perfect album for anyone looking to get into post rock due to its nature. As for experienced post rock fans,
Shoulders and Giants is bound to inspire a positive mood. After all, that is what this album truly sets out to do: Put the listener in a great mood without striving for anything profound. We need albums like that every now and then.
