''Post-rock'' unplugged
After over three years since their last release, Canadian instrumental quintet Do Make Say Think are back with what many would consider their most diverse and creative album yet. Hosting a rather generous crew of guest musicians (in addition to the band’s already impressive instrumental mixtures), You, You’re a History in Rust is a charming diamond-in-the- rough for the modern instrumental scene. Horns, strings, keys, and even vocals make up this elaborately crafted album, providing yet another surprisingly refreshing collection of tracks that will have you longing for more.
Beyond their obviously unique ensemble of instrumentation, Do Make Say Think take their artistic abilities to an even greater length by skillfully avoiding just about every stylistic cliché of the modern instrumental scene while still creating an enjoyable and entertaining listening experience. Digital effects are almost nowhere to be found. Twenty-something layers of ambient noise? Nope. Predictable heavy-to-soft transitions? Forget about ‘em. The music of DMST possesses quality not in intense structure or trendy effects, but rather in spontaneity and mood. Granted, the band’s style has always strayed outside the norm, incorporating acoustics and jazz influence more than the average joe, but now more than ever does that deviation seem to really be paying off. Guest vocals by experimental-folk band Akron/Family add hints of old-time country and bluegrass to some of the album’s tracks, while other songs take on a jazzier, more traditional sound typical of their older material.
For any instrumental enthusiasts, even if classical instruments and folk influence aren’t usually your cup of tea, You You’re a History in Rust is an absolutely essential addition to your collection. In all fairness, the album can come off as a bit cheesy at first, but with an open mind and a careful ear, you’ll be loving this album by the second or third time through. All hats are off to Do Make Say Think, for once again daring to break away from every rule and ritual of instrumental music and creating a style all their own.
| Reviewer: Sean Butze Added: February 13th 2007 |
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