Deep Politics

I've been waiting for this release since 2008's fantastic Doomsdayer's Holiday, and man, Grails did not disappoint. I can honestly say that this very well may be their best effort to date.

Grails venture down a slightly more experimental vein on this album than they have with their previous full-length efforts; some of the material meshes perfectly with the Black Tar sessions. This sits just fine with me, as that is some of their best work. Furthermore, if this is Grails experimenting, I hope they will continue to push the envelope. The album is different from their past releases, in the best way possible, and much of this is due in part to the use of new instruments, and the increased use of others. The piano plays a prominent part on this album in tracks like "All the Colors of the Dark," "Deep Politics," and "Deep Snow." They layer some haunting pipes and synthesized beats over "Corridors of Power," with strings soaring and gritty guitars beneath it - always balancing the sound just right.

The album opens with a bang on "Future Primitive." The bass and guitar interlock in a nasty groove, and when the drums really kick in around the 3-minute mark, it's clear that Grails are back with a vengeance. The familiar Middle Eastern influences are here, but of course altered with the theme of the album. This band is truly a chameleon, making the music sound familiar and yet brand new at the same time. A great example is what I found to be the album's highlight: the cryptically-named "Almost Grew My Hair." I saw them play this live a couple years ago and have been wondering when it would be released. Well, here it is. The entire band rocks out from start to finish, for nearly 8 minutes, shredding one of their best licks yet. What I love about this album is that it could double as the score for your favorite film (especially if your favorite is a dusty classic from old Italian cinema, or on the fringe of the occult); but a score that's always at the forefront of your mind. Not background music.

2 1/2 years is well worth the wait when the music is this excellent. I'm not sure where music would be if these guys ever decide to stop creating these masterpieces. They set the bar high nearly a decade ago with Burden of Hope, and have been pushing it higher and higher with each release till it's practically untouchable. You can't really go back to the radio after listening to a game-changer like "Deep Politics." I would highly suggest catching them on tour if you haven't already because it's really an experience watching them blend and create these walls of sound before your eyes. A 5-star release from a 5-star band, and that's really all that needs to be said.

i really couldn't say it any better than the first reviewer, but after putting the headphones on and becoming lost in Grails world once again, i have to say this is the best thing they've done since "Burning Off Impurities" (which is my favorite of theirs). They are trying something new here, which is good since they were in danger of becoming taken for granted (IMO). There is definitely that "feel" of vintage 70's cult film soundtracks working their way into Grails mixing pot, along with even more of a psychedelic "pink floyd-esque" atmosphere to the proceedings. The piano on a couple songs is a nice touch, and i would go so far as to say that this is possibly their "prettiest" record...even though it contains plenty of heavy grooves. Just lay back with the headphones on and let your mind wander and create moving images for this soundtrack (in reverse)...

8th album from Portland band of darkly haunting, mysteriously cinematic and epic out-rock with
Western ambient reverb twang and celestial swells riding surging crescendos of post-rock energy
with finesse & subtlety. A gorgeously creepy deep breath followed by a defiantly monumental
goose-bump sigh. Life-journey intellectualism manifested as instrumental post-psychedelic art-
rock--with all the requisite, but unpredictable, variances that make it worthwhile. Recalls works
by Barry Adamson, A Small Good Thing, Pink Floyd, Foetus, Brian Eno.

› Go to Amazon.com to see all 5 reviews  4.8 out of 5 stars