THE EXQUISITE DEATH OF SAXON SHORE

So yes, as it has already been stated, this is post-rock for those not into post-rock. Saxon Shore plays simple, straightforward, and wholly inspiring music. These guys emphasize melody, keeping structures concise but effective, and layers discernable but thick. The Exquisite Death of Saxon Shore, the band's first bonafide full-length establishes itself as an excellent starting point for those hesitant and/or doubtful about the genre. Typically being much more complex and drawn out in arrangement, but minimalistic in sound, post-rock needs to be given a lot of time to click with virgin ears; bands like God Is an Astronaut and especially this one seek to provide a different approach. What we're given here is a mix of typical post-rock tones and dynamics laced with some electronics with an unusually positive mood. This music sounds so accessible I can picture some of it coming from the cars of teenage girls. Because of this, or perhaps causing this, is a generally superficial feeling I get from this disc. It has melody, it has sweeping layers of seemingly powerful, emotional instrumentation, but by the end of the first few tracks, I can't help but think that it all sounds rather forced. I'm not actually getting absorbed by the band's fiery musical passion. Not to say this is the case the whole time, though. Certainly I found myself touched by some of the passages, but I often felt like the songs either sounded too heavily composed and therefore mechanical or missing some auditory imagery. However, several of these tunes seem perfect as supporting music for a visual. Coincidentally, the track "Marked with the Knowledge" was aptly used for a Sony commercial a few months ago. I was so inspired I almost bought whatever device they were selling at the time, but much like this record, the item has been forgotten.

I'll grant that this album is solid. With all of the melodies and positive vibes spewing from this recording, it's hard not to like. It's easy to enjoy at first, but I wouldn't be surprised if it loses its draw after the first listen. The band has the right ideas, but they haven't perfected their craft. As it stands, really this band might only be good for people who don't like post-rock. Fans of the genre may not get much out of Saxon Shore, but they shouldn't pass up the opportunity to hear them. Maybe the group's simple, optimistic ambience will hit a sweet spot they didn't know existed. Though the album's title says otherwise, the band has a bright future ahead of them, so long as they loosen up a bit. Hopefully next time around the visuals will be painted by the music.