In No Particular Order: 3 Adventurous LPs You Need To Hear (Feb 5, 2021)
Things are getting weird…
But in a good way! This week, I’m exploring some more eccentric releases that are making headlines. British newcomers Black Country, New Road and Norwegian experimental artist Sturle Dagsland make stellar first impressions, as well Toronto-based artist The Weather Station returns with her fifth record.
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Black Country, New Road – For the first time
Ninja Tune
Art rock / Experimental
10/10
I’m trying to think if I have ever given a perfect score on In No Particular Order. In my opinion, a perfect record doesn’t truly exist. But for the sake of argument, British art rock group Black Country, New Road have come extremely close to accomplishing that feat with their debut album For the first time.
As a seven-piece, the group’s size can be a slight risk, especially considering how dense and layered their music is, but their chemistry manages to keep things well above expectations. The album is only 6 songs, but with each hitting at least the five minute mark, it’s more of a modern day symphony. Guitars, bass, drums, saxophone, violin, and keyboards make up the front row of sound over the course of the record, breaking down pillars of alternative, post-punk, jazz, art-rock, and post-rock for a wildly exciting and unpredictable record.
Aside from the rhythmically-charged opener (and aptly-named) “Instrumental”, the lyrical verses are used almost as bookmarks within the songs, setting the stage with striking questions and thoughts driven by nostalgia, curiosity, and reflection, before a full-out onslaught of instrumentation, playful improvisation, and varying dynamics. For the first time is ferocious and articulate, and manages to be impressive without being in your face or unnecessarily pretentious.
Notable tracks: All of it. Go listen from start to finish.
(You can learn more about the single “Track X” on Episode 8 of From The Inbox: The Podcast)
Sturle Dagsland – Sturle Dagsland
Experimental/Avant-garde
8/10
First and foremost, the genre description just above is as limiting as calling a box of crayons red, blue, and green wax sticks. Sure, the rest of the carton is made up of at least one of those colours, but there are so many more descriptive names and colours within. Same can be said about Norwegian experimental artist Sturle Dagsland and his debut self-titled album. The foundation is experimental, avant-garde, and electronica, but unboxing each track is like pulling out different crayons of art rock, folk, chamber, ambient, and (pleasantly so) metal.
But for some unknown reason, it works.
Through the use of over 40 instruments from around the world – including a guzheng (a Chinese plucked instrument), a mbira (Zimbabwe finger harp), a custom-made Norwegian billy goat horn, Armenian duduk, autoharp, African kalimba, marxophone (fretless zither) and nyckelharpa (Swedish fiddle used on “Nyckelharpa”) – Dagsland creates a universe of his own, combining multicultural influences with his Nordic ancestry. The sonic palette and soundscapes formed are unlike any other, drawing better comparisons to nature and non-musical influences.
One of the first noticeable traits of the record is Dagsland’s eccentric and outlandish vocals, which at some points borders on being a screech animal noise, but it manages to confidently wavering just on the side of musical that it creates an exciting, “Viking metal” quality.
Terrifying, exhilarating, stunning, breathtaking. All equally fair descriptors of the record. But certainly polarizing.
Notable tracks: “Kusanagi” // “Blót” // “Dreaming”
The Weather Station – Ignorance
Next Door Records / Fat Possum
Art pop/Indie singer-songwriter
8/10
For Tamara Lindeman, her new record Ignorance is a revitalization of sorts, experimenting more with instrumentation and rhythm to lead into a stream of emotion and structure and allowing her supporting band to explore with her tranquil sound. Performing as The Weather Station, Lindeman uses her fifth album to create a space of confident reflection as someone who has moved passed cynicism and blind acceptance about the state of the world.
There are a number of hidden metaphors and careful examination of the weight of the world from climate change to capitalism, turning quiet introspection into fully formed indie rock pieces fronted by her paradoxical quiet strength. The flurry of instruments, including strings, saxophones, two drummers, and minimalist piano chords, provide the artistic backdrop for Lindeman to guide listeners through her songs with her soft, ranging vocals. Playing with hints of jazz and chamber pop, Ignorance is not a standard indie rock album, bringing more details and layers into the mix for a more profound and intricate release.
Notable tracks: “Robber” // “Atlantic” // “Parking Lot”
