One mans junk is another mans treasure. Similarly applicable in the idea of perception each of us as a person is different. What might be perceived as irrational to one could be completely logical to others. Playing with this idea of perception of sanity and it’s altruistic qualities Animals As Leaders speak a language some might well understand whilst others may not.
[tracklist]
- Arithmophobia
- Ectogenesis
- Cognitive Contortions
- Inner Assasins
- Private Visions Of The World
- Backpfeifengesicht
- Transcentience
- The Glass Bridge
- The Brain Dance
- Apeirophobia
[/tracklist]
[details]
[length]52:00[/length]
[record_label]Sumerian Records[/record_label]
[release_date]November 11th 2016[/release_date]
[/details]
Instrumental music as a genre can often be complicated leading for overwhelming sections that bewilder and ultimately bored the listener. Treading in more abstract waters Animals As Leaders experiment with almost electronic sounding elements on “Ectogenesis“. Ironically created from the various techniques used on the organic instrument by Tosin Abasi the song has an ethereal clarity. Yet somehow sounding like a jazz themed rendition of classic the classic Arnie chase in the first Terminator, that kind of eighties vibe. Having no doubt some of the strongest fingers in the business once again the tapping rhythmic pulse of “Inner Assasin” follows a simplified lead section seeing the band dial back giving attention to the intricate drum patterns. Before fading out into an almost Blink-182 esque throaty bass section.
Working towards more of an experimental avenue for most of the album, experimenting with differing patterns than the conventional. A prime example being “Cognitive Contortions” who lead pipe style guitar tone exhales a beautiful tone. However the band do return to more of their self titled, virtuoso roots with the unpronounceable “Backpapfgengsicht” creating cinematic soundscapes amongst the guitar wizardry. The jazz fuelled fun of “Private Visions Of The World” retain the sense of energetic musical fun that a band only with technical know-how the likes of Animals As Leaders could pull off. Combining subtle nuances previously experimented with the track brings out the more major keys associated with the band.
The Joy Of Motion considerably changed the musical dynamic of Animals As Leaders. Having understood the key behind instrumental music the old adage of less is more couldn’t be more appropriate. Particularly with the nylon stringed twang of “The Brain Dance“. A musical blanket to lay over the listener which keeps the ears pricked yet relaxed throughout its seven minute run time . Rather than ostentatious The Madness Of Many is instead requisite, modest and truly humble. However when the band do want to go wild “Transcentience” will satisfy fans to no end. Building on their previous release The Madness Of Many sees Animals As Leaders, bring to the table a sense of variety, a nature of the experimental all anchored by their unfaltering technical skill. Manifesting their madness in a new streamlined form in a language that everyone will understand.
[verdict]Yes[/verdict]
[why]With The Madness Of Many, Animals As Leaders have improved upon their foray into songwriting whilst becoming all the more daring. A phenomenal record that challenges but never intimidates even the most dextrous of musical minds. [/why]
