Past Lives - Tapestry of Webs
Rating
RIYL
These Arms are SnakesBlood Brothers
Jaguar Love
Release Date
02/23/2010
Label
Suicide SqueezeTracklist
1.Paralyzer2.Falling Spikes
3.Past Lives
4.Don’t Let the Ashes Fill Your Eyes
5.Deep in the Valley
6.K Hole
7.Hex Takes Hold
8.Vanishing Twin
9.Hospital White
10.At Rest
11.Aerosol Bouquet
12.There is a Light So Bright it Blinds
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For those not acquainted, Past Lives is one of the mutant heads that sprouted from the being known as The Blood Brothers. When The Blood Brothers decided to go their different ways, Johnny Whitney went on to do Jaguar Love and Jordan Billie went to Past Lives. Each band still maintains hints of their former band, mainly because of their singing styles. Both Billie and Jordan have pretty distinct croons that really don’t fade in the light of new endeavors. Luckily this band favors the better of the two singers, that being Jordan (he's the one with the pair of testicles that doesn’t sound like a thirteen year old girl). Once you realize this is not another Blood Brothers CD, Past Lives is actually pretty good.
As a whole the album feels raw and unpolished, which is probably the sound they were trying to achieve. There is an excellent sense of space that is found throughout the songs. The figurative cave in which this was recorded gives way to a very deep sound, with each note diving deeper into the abyss. Each song on this album centers on this hypnotic groove, courtesy of fellow blood brother Morgan Henderson, which had me interested at every turn. At some points the CD is reminiscent of These Arms Are Snakes; the mixture of obscure lyrics coupled with grooves create an overall sonic experience. The moody tracks "Deep In the Valley" and the closer "There Is a Lights So Bright It Blinds" seem to wallow in the midst of psychedelic jams.
There are times where Past Lives tread, dare I say, very close to being “pop music.” This notion of pop sensibility is definitely found throughout the album. Whether it is the track “Falling Spikes," or “Don’t Let the Ashes Fill Your Eyes” the little bits of pop are apparent. Yes, the band is still maintaining their edginess, but with that edginess comes a sense of maturity. Unlike some bands that worry about cramming every little nuance with noise, Past Lives is not afraid to be stripped bare and play off of that sparseness.
--Corey Mack
Comments
Brooklyn, NY
you intrigued me to check this out, and now I really love this record!! Thanks Corey.
www.explodinginsound.com
Minnesota
I loved Blood Brothers, but both Past Lives and Jaguar Love suck. I can't get into either band.
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Brooklyn, NY
Looking forward to hearing this. I liked Blood Brothers in small doses and Suicide Squeeze usually doesn't disappoint. Will have to pick it up at some point.
In a season that was so improbable, the impossible has happened!
Wollongong, New South Wales
Both Jaguar love and this are ok, but i miss the Blood Brothers.
Los Angeles
Yeah I miss them too.
West Haven, CT
Amen.
The Cityscape Burns Brighter By The Hour.
Jaguar Love is meh, but I like what I've heard of this album so far.
Beer Blog
Seattle
Great review. I had to give it 4.5 stars, but 4 is certainly reasonable. Its refreshing to see a someone who can accept them as a different band with a different sound. I'd compare it to Liars' self-titled album, and I think its at least as good. There are so many nuances that reward close, repeated listens. I wish more people could enjoy them from that perspective.
http://twitter.com/the_slowave
Boston, MA
Jaguar Love has been completely hit or miss for me. I was obsessed with "My Organ Sounds Like..." for awhile. Past Lives is an all around better band though and this release is excellent. Still, I long for another Blood Brothers album. A guy can dream, can't he?
Stereo Typing
Tweet at me, bro