Purple Haus
Bear the Mammoth
"Purple Haus" builds on their legacy by experimenting further with synths and compositional styles. The result pushes the band to their limits - riffs meet synths as the band's compositions become louder or lighter on a track-by-track basis. "When we finished recording the new record, it didn't take long for us all to start eye-balling new gear and talking about what we want to do next," says bassist Stephen Evans. "The fun we've had experimenting with new ideas and themes still feels fresh, and we think the album is a good reflection of that. It's the most synth-heavy album we've done so far, and there was a lot of influence from different genres that fell into the music naturally." The album has seven songs.
"Jaded" is first. It makes a delicate entrance, like passing by a few friendly faces while on a stroll. Bass and guitar layers are added slowly, so as not to upset the formula, and it swells towards the end before the final retreat. "Cridge" has another unassuming entrance, but this time with smooth, mellow keyboards. The heart of the song appears to be about atmosphere, and the gentle breeding of such. It is headed right down the tracks when suddenly it veers off, seguing into the heavy opening sequence in "Freshwater." It retreats to playful sound and then swells again into this massive beast. The second time around, the retreat isn't quite as complete, as thick bass notes remain.
"Unserene" is just that...an unsettling track with a bit of tension. The backing keyboards and leads keep the song within the realm of the light, while some of the other elements threaten a bit. "Eugene" also has a nice combination of dark and light, at times shifting like the wind. Perhaps what the band does best on the album so far is what is called the "suspension of disbelief in a story." "Rubon Cube" is very pretty by contrast. This is Post Rock at its finest...warm textures, inviting guitar tones, and a sense that you are going to be OK. "Somerset" closes the album. Gentle, lush tones come out of the song like a brightly covered smoke, to envelop the listener and to say quietly, "come on in, friend."
Overall, this was mostly a smooth and calm album with peaks of difficulty at times, which is not unlike the ebb and flow of your life, if you think about it. Most days pass without a lot of trouble, but when trouble comes, it can take over for a while. One thing that I have always believed in, and it serves me well, is that the sun will rise tomorrow, and each new day brings hope. That is the message that I get from the album.
8 / 10
Excellent
Songwriting
Musicianship
Memorability
Production
"Purple Haus" Track-listing:
1. Jaded
2. Cridge
3. Freshwater
4. Unserene
5. Eugene
6. Rubon Cube
7. Somerset
Bear the Mammoth Lineup:
James Carman - Drums
James Hirschfeld - Guitar
James Kershaw - Guitar and Synthesizer
Stephen Evans - Bass
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