🎵 Tracklist:
Track 1: Bring them Tired Ashes to the Black Waters I
Track 2: Bring them Tired Ashes to the Black Waters II
Track 3: Bring them Tired Ashes to the Black Waters III
Track 4: And Sing an Anthem for the Famine I
Track 5: And Sing an Anthem for the Famine II
Track 6: And Sing an Anthem for the Famine III
Track 7: And Sing an Anthem for the Famine IV
🎸 Album Review:
“Choir” has always been a band known for pushing boundaries and exploring the darker corners of the human experience through their music. Their latest album, ‘Smithe Thee Smoldering Providence’, is a haunting and immersive journey into themes of decay, despair, and ultimately, redemption. The album is divided into two distinct sections – the first part titled ‘Bring them Tired Ashes to the Black Waters’, and the second part titled ‘And Sing an Anthem for the Famine’. Each track flows seamlessly into the next, creating a cohesive listening experience that is both unsettling and captivating.
The sound of ‘Smithe Thee Smoldering Providence’ is characterized by its atmospheric and ethereal quality. Choir masterfully blends elements of post-rock, ambient, and experimental music to create a sonic landscape that is both otherworldly and deeply emotional. The album is drenched in reverb and haunting melodies that evoke a sense of foreboding and unease. The use of layered instrumentation, including strings, synths, and percussion, adds depth and texture to the music, creating a rich and immersive sonic experience.
Thematically, ‘Smithe Thee Smoldering Providence’ delves into the darker aspects of the human psyche, exploring themes of loss, suffering, and the search for meaning in a world filled with despair. The album’s title itself is a reflection of the band’s lyrical and musical approach – smoldering with intensity and a sense of impending doom, yet offering a glimmer of hope and redemption amidst the chaos.
Standout tracks on the album include the opening track ‘Bring them Tired Ashes to the Black Waters I’, which sets the tone for the rest of the album with its brooding atmosphere and haunting melodies. The track gradually builds in intensity, culminating in a cathartic release that is both exhilarating and cathartic. ‘And Sing an Anthem for the Famine II’ is another highlight, featuring a mesmerizing blend of pulsating rhythms and ethereal vocals that create a sense of urgency and longing.
In comparison to Choir’s previous albums, ‘Smithe Thee Smoldering Providence’ represents a significant evolution in their sound and approach. While their earlier work was characterized by a more straightforward post-rock sound, this album sees the band embracing a more experimental and atmospheric direction. The use of unconventional song structures and intricate arrangements adds a layer of complexity to the music, inviting listeners to immerse themselves in the album’s dark and mysterious world.
Overall, ‘Smithe Thee Smoldering Providence’ is a powerful and immersive listening experience that showcases Choir’s growth and maturity as musicians and storytellers. The album’s haunting melodies, evocative lyrics, and atmospheric soundscapes come together to create a deeply emotional and thought-provoking journey that lingers long after the final notes fade away. With this release, Choir proves once again that they are not afraid to explore the depths of human emotion and confront the darkness that resides within us all. ‘Smithe Thee Smoldering Providence’ is a testament to the band’s artistic vision and a powerful statement of their place in the pantheon of experimental music.