- May 31, 2004
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Neurosis - The Eye of Every Storm
Neurot Recordings- NR-033- June 29, 2004
By Alexsandr Revkin
There could be a no more apt title for this album. The members of Neurosis stand alone in the midst of their career. Around them swirls the experience of all their projects. The ambient/tribal/trance of Tribes of Neurot meshes with the folksy solo albums of guitarist/singers Steve Von Till and Scott Kelly, and that is pummelled by the cold industrial of the Neurosis & Jarboe project. All of which is framed by the hardcore/ sludge of the 15-year+ life of main band Neurosis. Everything they have ever set sight on is brought together perfectly on "The Eye of Every Storm."
The opening song “Burn,” seems to be an intro of sorts; a segue between the older Neurosis and their latest style. The older style was all about oppressive harshness. Brief moments of peace would arise like the ebb and flow of tides, but the core was a sonic ugliness that left a listener shivering. But now their music is open, allowing beauty and a sad peace to sneak into a listeners mind. “Burn” is their introduction to the album with its conventional (for Neurosis) percussion and the harshest vocals to be found on the entire album.
The rest of the album takes a listener on a journey that is spiritual and mental, the music moving through various moods. After a false ending, “No River to Take Me Back Home,” heads into a trance using a continually repeated guitar riff, spacey electronics, and some very tasteful drumming. The mid-section of the title track weds itself to a minimalist and pulsating synth line while Steve Von Till sings resolutely over the top. After some piano meandering, song “Bridges” climaxes with a violent eruption of guitar and drums and heads you into the retrospective mood of album closer “I Can See You”. A first time listen is a surprise, being assaulted by constant experiments and sound changes.
The lyrics are dense; with many possible meanings and visions depending on the listener, though this is a normal trait with this band. However, by actually singing for almost the entirety of the album the lyrics are that much stronger. That is the main revelation and best aspect of this album, the singing. At times gentle, at times gruff, and always world-weary. It propels you through an hour of what is one of the best albums of this year.
10/10
Neurosis Band Page
Neurot Recordings Home Page
Neurot Recordings- NR-033- June 29, 2004
By Alexsandr Revkin
There could be a no more apt title for this album. The members of Neurosis stand alone in the midst of their career. Around them swirls the experience of all their projects. The ambient/tribal/trance of Tribes of Neurot meshes with the folksy solo albums of guitarist/singers Steve Von Till and Scott Kelly, and that is pummelled by the cold industrial of the Neurosis & Jarboe project. All of which is framed by the hardcore/ sludge of the 15-year+ life of main band Neurosis. Everything they have ever set sight on is brought together perfectly on "The Eye of Every Storm."
The opening song “Burn,” seems to be an intro of sorts; a segue between the older Neurosis and their latest style. The older style was all about oppressive harshness. Brief moments of peace would arise like the ebb and flow of tides, but the core was a sonic ugliness that left a listener shivering. But now their music is open, allowing beauty and a sad peace to sneak into a listeners mind. “Burn” is their introduction to the album with its conventional (for Neurosis) percussion and the harshest vocals to be found on the entire album.
The rest of the album takes a listener on a journey that is spiritual and mental, the music moving through various moods. After a false ending, “No River to Take Me Back Home,” heads into a trance using a continually repeated guitar riff, spacey electronics, and some very tasteful drumming. The mid-section of the title track weds itself to a minimalist and pulsating synth line while Steve Von Till sings resolutely over the top. After some piano meandering, song “Bridges” climaxes with a violent eruption of guitar and drums and heads you into the retrospective mood of album closer “I Can See You”. A first time listen is a surprise, being assaulted by constant experiments and sound changes.
The lyrics are dense; with many possible meanings and visions depending on the listener, though this is a normal trait with this band. However, by actually singing for almost the entirety of the album the lyrics are that much stronger. That is the main revelation and best aspect of this album, the singing. At times gentle, at times gruff, and always world-weary. It propels you through an hour of what is one of the best albums of this year.
10/10
Neurosis Band Page
Neurot Recordings Home Page
