Label: Thirty Ghosts
Released: May 10, 2005 |
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In the post-Slint, post-rock, post-vocals world, bands like Mogwai and Godspeed You Black Emperor! pioneered brooding instrumental rock. The general formula consists of a hushed intro that, through repetition, gradually builds into an explosive crescendo 7-25 minutes later. Both bands, Mogwai especially, managed to work wonders with that formula. However, I never found it necessary to delve into the hundreds of Godspeed! side-projects or any of their followers. How many times can you listen to that sort of thing before it gets old and predictable?
My Education adhere to the post-rock formula, and while their music is fairly predictable, there are definitely some high-points on Italian that are worth hearing. “Thanksgiving,” in particular, is a lush and beautiful song that makes you feel like everything is going to be all right. It has a vibe similar to the Dirty Three’s more reflective moments like “Hope.” “Plans A Through B” begins with a two-note bass line and atmospheric keyboards that gradually pick up other instruments along the way; ending in a frenzy of pounded drums and viola. In fact, James Alexander’s viola is what gives My Education identity outside their peers and moves tracks like “Puppy Love” beyond typical post-rock plodding.
Unfortunately, like most post-rock albums, Italian drags at moments, but always manages to pick up the pace before you start to tune it out completely. If you’re a fan of the genre, this record is worth checking out. However, if you’re bored to tears with epic instrumentals, steer clear.
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