Cave In - Planets of Old
Rating
RIYL
CoalesceClouds
Refused
Drowningman
Release Date
01/26/2010
Label
Hydra HeadTracklist
1. Cayman Tongue2. Retina Sees Rewind
3. The Red Trail
4. Air Escapes
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What a long, strange journey it has been. After several line-up changes, more sonic schizophrenia than any band since The Beatles , and a nearly three-year absence, the pride of Methuen, Massachusetts, Cave In, returns with the near-perfect Planets of Old EP, a crowning achievement that touches all of the bases of the band’s variegated career without sounding cluttered or forced. In fact, this may be the best work of the group’s immensely influential career. Cave In has synthesized all of the different aspects of their oeuvre into one fourteen-minute masterpiece. It is an excellent and diverse listen that is equal parts accessible and challenging. The band has obviously learned more than a few tricks in their long existence, and they employ them all to great effect on Planets of Old . In fact, the only thing holding this album back from a five-star rating is its relative paucity of material.
The first track, “Cayman Tongue,” sets the tone for the rest of the EP, serving as a microcosm of the contents found within. It slowly builds in ferocity, from ambient noise, to a thick, sludgy rock groove, to monstrous metalcore before dissolving into a harsh wall of noise, only to come roaring back to life in the last minute of the track with unbridled intensity that rivals anything from Beyond Hypothermia. Second track “Retina Sees Rewind” is an incredible song that has a “Big Riff,” of Jupiter fame, vibe to it. “The Red Trail” is a jarring, mathy number that delights in its jangling discordance; it is a veritable roaring furnace of chaos and aggression. The EP closes with “Air Escapes,” a brilliant song that recalls the best moments of Perfect Pitch Black .
Cave In continues to improve with age. They have never sounded better, and it seems as if their lengthy hiatus re-invigorated the group. They have borrowed elements from throughout their lengthy back-catalogue and combined them to create something new and powerful, rather than tired and rehashed. Thought to be on life support, Cave In have returned with a triumphant tour de force that points to even more incredible things in the band’s future. Never ones to shy away from ambitious releases, the band have aimed higher than ever with immense returns. If this EP is not in your collection, go out and get it immediately by any means necessary.
--Jake Oliver
Comments
Boston, MA
Stereo Typing
Tweet at me, bro
Fishers, Indiana
I gave this a listen or two. Having never listened to Cave-In before, it was rather good. I didn't quite like how shouty the vocalist got a times, though.
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Costa Mesa, CA
"Cave In has synthesized all of the different aspects of their oeuvre
into one fourteen-minute masterpiece. It is an excellent and diverse
listen that is equal parts accessible and challenging."
Totally agree. I was a little worried about how this release would be received. Glad to see it get what it deserves.
{-+
Brooklyn, NY
awesome review Jake. i don't know if i could say it's the best they've done... but still real great!! gotta agree with Dave about them not completely leaving Antenna behind. either way, Cave In rule and whatever they do should be pretty spectacular.
www.explodinginsound.com
Anytown USA
Good review, but I don't think this is their best material either.
You play to win the game.
Minnesota
I actually was let down by this release. It's not bad, but in comparison to their other work, I just don't think it quite stacks up.
Find me EVERYWHERE:
It's a good release but doesn't come close to touching Jupiter, Until Your Heart Stops or even Tides of Tomorrow. Good review, though. I'm looking forward to what the guys come up with next.
Maine
retina has a big riff vibe?
red trail mathy?
air escapes recalls PPB?
did you even listen to this EP?
San Diego, CA
Air Escapes: Perhaps you're familiar with the songs "Screaming In Your Sleep" and "Trepanning"? Let's assume you are. I said "Air Escapes" recalls the best moments of PPB, which for me would be those two cuts.
Red Trail: It does have some mathy guitar work, and I believe there are several other descriptors which you've conveniently left out of your critique of my review: "jarring," which it is in fact, and "jangling discordance."
Any issues with "Cayman Tongue" there buddy?
By paraphrasing my words you've distorted the review to suit your view. Did you even closely read what I had to say?
Too old to bother, too young to give a shit.
San Diego, CA
Or is this simply an attack on me because you aren't on the staff to do Cave In reviews yourself?
Too old to bother, too young to give a shit.