Review Summary: Join the community.
Every time I listen to
Divisionary, I get the feeling that Ages and Ages are just your friendly neighbors who happen to make indie-rock. They’re an overwhelmingly optimistic bunch, but not in a way that feels cheesy or naive – more in the sense that glows with sincerity and makes you want to become a better person. Each track beckons you to sing along – not quietly, but at the top of your lungs. There’s a distinctly
communal aura present thanks to the prevalence of these gang-styled choral chants – and if that doesn’t sound like enough to make an album great on its own merits, then I’d suggest you give the title track a quick spin and decide for yourself.
Divisionary is a fun, upbeat, and quirky pop/rock album that will keep you on your toes. The opening song, ‘Light Goes Out’, does a 180-degree tempo shift approximately one minute into the song. ‘Over It’ goes from surging melodies in the verses to a forlorn, swaggering chorus with call-back styled vocals. ‘Divisionary (Do The Right Thing)’ is basically just one giant chorus passed off as a song. Ages and Ages have no problem varying their approach as things jump unpredictably from slow to fast, and they exhibit very little restraint by launching into the most enthusiastic of melodies with little or no prior warning. It’s very much the sound of a band liberated from any sort of pain or worry, and that’s something we all can use a dose of at times.
Instrumentally, Ages and Ages keep it relatively simple – acoustic guitars drive most of the songs forward (see ‘No Pressure’ and ‘I See More’), and the drumming more or less just keeps the pace afloat. The magic of Ages and Ages is that their tune sense and magnificent, swelling choruses truly
are enough to drive
Divisionary wherever it wants to go. In this case, where it wants to go is a place of acceptance, warmth, and cheer.
Divisionary just might be the most welcoming album I’ve ever heard. Come join the community, sing along, and feel better – yes, it’s really that simple.
