BLUE LAMBENCY DOWNWARD

Unlike most people, I started exploring Kayo Dot with this album, and not with the masterpiece that is Choirs of the Eye. Although I can definitely say I wasn't disappointed. I was initially shocked that this album had no traces of metal on it and made me wonder what the band was doing in Experimental/Post Metal, but their other two albums so far have cleared that up for me. The most noticeable aspect of this album is how strikingly beautiful and melodic it is despite it being anything but accessible music. I remember playing this for the first time, and after hearing Symmetrical Arizona, I put Itunes on repeat and listened to that song another 4-5 times in a row. The utter beauty of this album is really hard to describe. Toby Driver's very dark singing really adds a lot of atmosphere to this gloomy music. And yet at the same time, his voice sounds very comforting. It's not one of the strongest or best voices ever, but it fits the music well. It's also amazing how many of the instrumental duties he takes on in this album, as well as all of his works. The guy really knows his stuff and creates dark music that's very eclectic while retaining avant-garde inspirations. Actually, this really isn't so much a Kayo Dot album as it is a Toby Drive-Mia Matsumiya project under the Kayo Dot name with several guest musicians on board. The use of odd noises and unusual percussion also stands out here, but again, most of that is simply to add to the atmosphere. Saying this is a multi-layered album might be simplifying it.

I'm not sure why so many people feel this is a weak Kayo Dot album. I enjoy it quite a bit and think it's simply the band's take on a new direction for their music. It gets 4 stars from me, although it might as well be 4.5. It's not a masterpiece in my ears, but it's pretty close. Recommended for those who enjoy melodic music with plenty of dissonance and inaccessibility. This applies in particular to fans of avant-garde or chamber music, and possibly some symphonic prog fans who fit some or all of the previously mentioned criteria. This is an album that will require plenty of active listening and repeated listens.