The singles preceding "Belong" leaned in favor of the new release being another stunner. It was clear though that The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart had ramped up the stakes, ushering in Flood for production and Alan Moulder for the mix. They stopped just short of emerging on a major label - but the idea that the new album would be their proving ground to anyone of influence that might be paying attention was plainly evident. Today, without hesitation I bought the disc along with the new release from The Builders And The Butchers. From the first notes of "Belong", it's sadly clear that what was left out of the recording was what made all previous releases by The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart intoxicating and unique. The band was never what you'd quantify as lo-fi, and they were never wholly indie or shoegaze - but they did forge a new path that captivated listeners from tween to fans of early 90's shoegaze. Sadly, the uniqueness was sacrificed in lieu of a polished, painfully refined sound that strips away those facets that didn't fit in any one place and leaves a band that is almost cut & paste with any other band that tried in vain to capture what TPOBPAH perfected on all previous releases. I think this is where our roads diverge. The two tracks that I feel are worth seeking out are, "Heart In Your Heartbreak" (one of the singles) and "My Terrible Friend". I almost have to believe these songs were already done prior to Flood and Alan Moulder coming on board, because these two tracks capture the unique blend of a Pains Of Being Pure At Heart track. Honestly, and quite sadly, this one is better left on the shelf.
On a side note: this is the fourth consecutive release by Flood and Alan Moulder that has gone to hell. Ruined the latest PJ Harvey album (as if I would have ever believed that was possible), The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart, YYYs and something else I can't think of at the moment. STOP!
Is it even possible for this band to have made a darker album than all that have come before it? Maybe not darker, but when the subject matter has gone from city-sized epidemic to self-deprecation, the feel is that you are in the dark, poorly-lit room with this bard as the walls close in and your addictions take you across a bridge that is only one way. The albums' feel is one of a traveler, even conjouring images of a sea-faring spirit. There is not a huge departure here from what you'd expect from The Builders And The Butchers, lyrically it's an incredible journey - musically, the influences take you across the world and are birthed from a bluegrass, folk, and southern rock stew. It's not ever easy to isolate an influnce upon this band, it's closest relatives are Jay Munly and Black Heart Procession - but at best they are second cousins and it's okay for them to marry. The guitars and keys are looser, the drums more pronounced and pounding giving "Dead Reckoning" a seething, backroom boogie. The biggest departure is vocally, Ryan Sollee is more brave on some tracks, and explores his range...on "It Came From The Sea"; he offers up a sea-shanty. I wouldn't hesitate to suggest "Dead Reckoning" to a fan, but if someone was looking to experience The Builders And The Butchers for the first time, I'd still steer them towards "Salvation Is A Deep Dark Well". The reason is, "Dead Reckoning" finds the band exploring new musical elements and experimenting with song structure, and it may take another album until their comfort with it is more evident, it's clearly unfamiliar territory here. That doesn't suggest that "Dead Reckoning" should be shelved, it simply captures the band in transition and not at their most powerful. It's still an incredible album, and I hope a tour in support of it brings them my way - I will be there in a heartbeat. Producing their own album with assistance from Adam Selzer (who also mixed it), and releasing it on an indie label, it's a job extremely well done.
On a side note: it's refreshing that a band still records because it loves playing and sharing their music. It's not about being bigger or looking for someone to take them to the next level. The want to find more fans by word of mouth because their music stands on it's own. It's not about creating buzz with the art, the production, or the video. So - to all the bands and friends I have that are recording and doing so because it feels so good - thank you!
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