Instrumental noise with a touch of class
Such is the buzz about Michigan septet Red Light Chamber Choir right now that their self-released debut has completely sold out. There is literally a waiting list for those wishing to order the second batch of pressings--an achievement in itself considering the seemingly endless supply of post-rock bands these days.
So what is it that sets RLCC apart from the rest?. Apart from their obvious musical talent, variety is the key to this eight track effort. The opener "I'll Be At Your Wedding" wastes no time in displaying RLCC's compelling arrangements. After a short sample intro, the band builds a sense of anticipation with introspective guitar interplay that ebbs and flows with dynamic percussion. That sense of anticipation soon subsides as RLCC launch into a dramatic crescendo, laden with vitriolic distortion that seems to get heavier with each passing second.
While the opener is a standard post-rock affair, RLCC show they are no mere one trick pony on We're In Trouble. "Hipsters" plays like a funeral march song, almost crossing into Eastern European Folk territories. RLCC assert this style with a superb handle of the dynamics involved, mixing brass and string arrangements impeccably.
"Bookmark Amadeus" is another highlight and portrays yet another facet to RLCC's sound. Summoning the beast of Floyd's "Careful With That Axe Eugene", the band move from a seemingly tame instrumental workout and into a cartoonish vocal sample. Warped into a new sound, the sample presents an ominous air and the listener will be aware that there is something brewing. RLCC don't disappoint, as a bone chilling scream explodes, they catapult into a spiraling psychedelic freakout full of throbbing guitar work and incessant strings.
Devoid of vocals, Red Light Chamber Choir conjure every ounce of sound from their instruments in a bid to get their desired emotional response. They seem to grow in confidence with each passing track and the variety is, at times, staggering.
My only (minor) gripe is the inclusion of three tracks that have been looped backwards. They seem oddly out of place, almost like a last minute decision in a bid to pad out the record. Without these, RLCC might have had a truly classic Ep-length release on their hands. These issues aside, though there is an element of imagination to Red Light Chamber Choir's epic, sweeping instrumental noise. An element that will see them grow and blossom into something wonderful.
| Reviewer: Michael Henaghan Added: July 29th 2007 |
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