Closure In Moscow - First Temple
Rating
RIYL
Circa SurviveSaosin
The Mars Volta
Release Date
05/05/2009
Label
Equal VisionTracklist
1. Kissing Cousins2. Reindeer
3. Sweet#hart
4. Vanguard
5. A Night At The Spleen
6. I'm The Ghost Of Twilight
7. Permafrost
8. Deluge
9. Afterbirth
10. Arecibo Message
11. Couldn't Let You Love Me
12. Had To Put It In The Soil
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The bastardization of prog-rock has got to stop. Somewhere along the line it managed to make its way onto the radar of little Warped Tour-loving, mall-punk brats that never heard a Genesis record in their lives. Bands like Coheed and Cambria and The Mars Volta convinced every whiny, high-pitched nerd that they could sing and that bloated self-indulgent guitar noodling was something more than auditory masturbation. I hate these things. I hate them so much. Subsequently I should hate Closure in Moscow, but I can’t because it’s too fucking good.
With First Temple, Closure in Moscow has reclaimed the prog-rock genre, wresting it away from the Guitar Center staff and dweeby teenagers, making it cool again. The album starts off with “Kissing Cousins,” and with its off-kilter, melodic guitar work, polyrhythms, electronics, and exhilarating harmonies, it’s a good indicator of what the band can do. The talent pool in Closure in Moscow runs deep and the band’s utilization of their abilities is so well thought out and structured that while every song is crammed with a zillion ideas, they all flow so harmoniously and make so much sense. It just feels incredibly natural.
The band continues on with this method of songwriting for all 12 tracks on the album, which ends up being one of the two problems this record has. I appreciate the technicality. I like that it’s more punk rock and in your face than certain peers like Circa Survive. I actually like the unfathomable range of the vocals. But these calling cards never really change. I’d love to see what the band could do with a slower song, or something that comes in with a different approach to the songwriting process. We get a taste of this with “A Night at the Spleen” when the band holds back and exposes what would be classified as their “softer” side (for about a minute). The stripped down context and slower feel make the track less schizophrenic, and it’s nice to hear the vocals in a restrained context (the dude can sing). It’s one of the best moments on the record. The band does try a different approach with “Permafrost,” but it sits comfortably within their prog realm, just spacier, which is to be expected for the genre at times.
The other problem is the hooks. While I love the band and each member’s individual contributions, sometimes more intense and manic parts overwhelm the catchiest moments. Tracks like “Vanguard” and “Sweet#hart” have key moments overshadowed by excessive instrumentality. With a little restraint these songs could really shine!
All in all First Temple is a fantastic effort. Music nerds will appreciate the talent, and less discerning fans will love the upbeat style, intensity, harmonies, and sense of passion that emanates from this record. While this is a niche style, the band stands to dominate with a hectic tour schedule and intense live show. A second record of this caliber could establish them as the current kings of the genre.
--Alex Burton
Comments
I've been on the fence about these guys for awhile, and think it's about time to give up.
Waterloo, Ontario
these guys are talented and initially i was really into them. but after listening to this album a couple times i can't get past how much it sounds like fall of troy and chiodos. and i never liked either of those bands.
Top Ten of 2009 http://www.decoymusic.com/users/3747/top_tens/2009
San Diego, CA
thought it was an amazing record. the second half of the CD hasn't been getting as much play though. i decided to check out their EP before this and that was really good as well - a lot heavier.
Fishers, Indiana
Solid album, though the second half is forgettable.
I don't understand all the hate, though.
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San Jose, CA
You hate The Mars V but you like this? ...
Still, very will written review. Good job.
last.fm/user/thetsaiguy
Kansas
i'm the same way. I just could never get into the mars volta, but i'm totally loving this
http://rateyourmusic.com/~benny06
Minnesota
Holy crap. Finally listened to this album. It's like a listenable version of Mars Volta with some Coheed tossed in. This just worked its way onto my current 2009 top albums list. Let's see if it stays.
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New Jersey
I feel like this album is growing on me one song at a time. A bit of simplicity could go a long way for these guys, looking forward to their next one.
when i see it in your eyes
i just want to go blind