Rapid Review: Godspeed You! Black Emperor - "No Title as of 13 February 2024 28,340 Dead"

 

Calliope Music Rapid Reviews

Godspeed You! Black Emperor - "No Title as of 13 February 2024 28,340 Dead"

Artillery Clouds Descend

 

       An instrumentally textbook Godspeed record, the long-time Post-Rock band sweeps feet again with vast letters to the deceased. Extensive progressions build out of hazy drones as brushing cymbals, arching electric bass, and pretty violin ascend in stunning fashion. Dark contrabass and tape loop ambiance fill the ear with melancholy before the elegant skirmish of electric guitar and glockenspiel join a heavy mix.

    Despite horrifying references to the Israel-Palestine conflict, the band uplifts with a strangely optimistic sound. While this is an uncomfortable contradiction, it suggests a greater hope, a light at the end of the tunnel for the dead. It isn't until the last two tracks that the group's signature apocalypse sound returns, packed with sinister guitar riffs and dangerous bass drums.

    While No Title can't compare to the pure devastation of Godspeed's biggest titles, the collective finds a suitable balance between desolate Drone and bright Rock. A tad monotonous in the grand scheme of things, but a full and convincing release; a shaking abyss any familiar listener is sure to fall into.

 

Best Tracks: Babys in a Thundercloud -- Pale Spectator Takes Photographs -- Grey Rubble - Green Shoots

7.5/10

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