Power of Metal.dk Review

...And You Will Know Us By the Trail of Dead
Lost Songs
Rating
Style: Alternative Rock
Release date: 22 October, 2012
Playing time: 45:52
 

A.Y.W.K.U.b.t.T.o.D. states that this new album was partly inspired by the apathy to real world events that has plagued the independent music scene now for over a decade. It was also inspired by artists such as the Cure, KARP, Ros Sereysothea, Human League, Hildegard von Bingen... The band's other influences are Fugazi, Melvins, Bikini Kill, Unwound, Sonic Youth, Led Zeppelin, Rush, Genesis, Pink Floyd, Public Enemy, Yes, J.S. Bach, Vivaldi, etc…

"Lost Songs" is more direct, less progressive than "Tao of the Dead"; sometimes raw, angry, post-punk-hardcore, whatever you call it; sometimes a bit more introvert and polished, heir of cold-dark-new wave; but always with a flowing energy.

Conrad Keely and Jason Reece are of course the backbone of "Lost Songs", but Autry Fulbright II (bass) was also involved in the composition process. Jamie Miller, the newcomer, brings a kind of nonstop warm drum roll, almost tribal.

The title track is one of my (very subjective) favorite. It makes me think and feel about the mid-eighties, when I was around 15, small and weak (Some of you may remember the cartoon named "Calimero"…), listening to The Cure "The Hanging Garden" (as well as Slayer "Chemical Warfare" and Metallica "Fight Fire with Fire", Marillion "Blind Curve" and Steely Dan "Aja").

"Lost Songs" sound, with numerous and assumed influences, actually breaths and sweats nostalgia, even unconsciously. But the lyrics are very linked to the present, with themes as diverse as the music, from the Syrian civil war to the TV  series "Game of Thrones", from Conrad's experiences in Cambodia to his novel "Strange News from Another Planet".

"Lost Songs" is dedicated to Pussy Riot. Ekaterina is now free. Nadejda and Maria are still in jail. Do not forget them.


Tracklist
01. Open Doors
02. Pin Hole Camera
03. Up to Infinity
04. Opera Obscura
05. Lost Songs
06. Flower Card Games
07. Place to Rest
08. Heart of Wires
09. Catatonic
10. Awestruck
11. Bright Young Things
12. Time and Again
Label: Superball Music
Distribution: EMI (Denmark)
Reviewed by: Philippe Leconte
Date: 11 October, 2012
Website: ...ToD @ Facebook