With the recent US/Canadian re-release of their latest album One Time for All Time, it seems only right to pay homage to the strikingly unique sound(s) of 65daysofstatic. Combining electronic samples and beats with real drums and instrumentation, 65daysofstatic has made a name for itself in recent years for their refreshingly original take on post-rock music. The band uses the typical layers of guitar and keyboard melodies but also mixes in intensely complex drum patterns and broken beats to create a much more energetic form of post-rock music. Unlike genre pioneers Explosions in the Sky or Godspeed You! Black Emperor, 65daysofstatic are clearly not the type of band you will find yourself falling asleep to. One Time for All Time serves up the latest edition of the group’s electro-post-rock creations, continuing to develop their style in the same fashion as their previous release, The Fall of Math (2004).
Perhaps the only flaw that listeners may find in One Time for All Time is that it really doesn’t sound much different from the group’s previous efforts. All of the great components of 65daysofstatic’s music are still there: the electronic and regular drum mixtures, the chaotic beats and the soothing melodies. With only a brief listen, it is clear that One Time for All Time still rocks out wonderfully just the same as any of the band’s other material. That said, there is a general expectancy among fan-bases for some variation across albums, whether it be in style or mood, and One Time for All Time doesn’t seem to deliver that. Though the band has succeeded in producing another great release of innovative post-rock, it seems that 65daysofstatic have not yet taken the initiative to move forward with their sound.
While the lack of any significant change in 65daysofstatic’s music may be slightly disappointing to some fans, the overall quality of One Time for All Time should certainly not be overlooked. The inclusion of electronic beats alone should be reason enough to pay respect to the new direction that the band has gone with post-rock music. Ever since they hit the scene, 65daysofstatic have provided a gasp of fresh air for the genre of post-rock, bringing a new style and mixture of instrumentation that has worked out surprisingly well. From the groovy guitar jams of “Await Rescue” to the chilling piano keys of “Radio Protector,” One Time for All Time puts on just about as much aural spectacles as you can imagine. Fans of post-rock music will find much value in this latest release from a band which will likely be held as one of the most innovative instrumental groups in years. While it does not differ much in style or composition from earlier efforts, One Time for All Time proves that 65daysofstatic are just as fascinatingly creative and entertaining as they ever were.
| Reviewer: Sean B Added: October 23rd 2006 |
|
