Review Summary: As the bands seventh album, this is nothing short of a culmination masterpiece. The entrancing guitar solos, the raw, simple and unassuming truths expressed throughout, the unforgettable melodies... This album epitomizes everything that Built to Spill doe
Built to Spill is possibly the least lyrically focused band that I love, or at least that is the impression you would get if you talked with Doug Martsch, the singer/lead guitarist. So, he must be either painfully modest or a godlike genius because he says his lyrics just kind of happen more or less as an afterthought. It seems believable that they are just an after thought though because their songs could definitely gain renown even if all the singing was taken out. Melodies and guitar solos that venture forth creating a heavenly world in themselves that are easy to get blissfully lost in.
Still, it is cause for celebration that we get to hear those afterthoughts Martsch has. His wisdom is no shallower than the greatest of sages. The song 'Life's a Dream' alone is sufficient evidence of this. The stark honesty of his lyrics automatically raises the sincerity of those listening. His humbleness is quiet, yet well pronounced and it surely permeates into his audience. I have always felt like I am putting myself in masterful hands when I sit down to take in a Built to Spill album and this one even ups their game.
I have had the pleasure to attend a few Built to Spill concerts and, although I could confidently call the performance badass, the man upfront, well, he is of the sort that the Bible would tell you is going to inherit the earth.
