The fifth album from Baltimore duo
Ed Schrader's Music Beat
continues in the dark, driving new wave/post-punk direction of their previous two records. Co-written and co-produced by longtime associate
Dylan Going
,
Orchestra Hits
reflects on experiences from youth, putting them in the perspective of the songwriter's present self. Opener "Roman Candle" is based on
Schrader
's memories of sneaking into Woodstock '99 and witnessing the onset of destruction and mayhem as fires broke out among the maddening crowd. Luckily,
managed to catch a shuttle and safely escape, but the ordeal made them realize what they wanted to avoid in American society. They cathartically bellow "We are not into the garden" over a sonically detailed motorik rhythm. "Into the Knotted Trees" has a huge, anthemic chorus very much in the mode of frequent tourmates
Future Islands
, but with hard-edged (and occasionally more atmospheric) guitars joining the trickling synth arpeggios. The duo had attempted to make more danceable material on their previous effort, and "IDKS" sounds like an expansion of that idea, though it ends up being more restrained than several other tracks on the album. "Blue Gardener" has an urgent rhythm but a more measured vocal performance, and both "Waterfront" and "Daylight Commander" patiently arrive at their powerhouse pop choruses. "Noonday Sun" soundtracks a pleasant afternoon cruise, on a day when the vibe just feels right. Throughout their career,
Ed Schrader
has retained energy and spirit, even as their direction has shifted from noisy, primal blues-punk shouting to dramatic, new romantic-style crooning.
reflects the sophistication of aging, and relating to the past while continuing to artistically evolve. ~ Paul Simpson