Do Make Say Think
You, You’re A History In Rust
[Constellation Records]
By: J a s o n B o u c h e r
Have you ever heard a record that made you feel so good you wanted to weep? I felt that way as soon as You, You’re A History In Rust started playing on my stereo. I never wanted the album to end and I was excited, just thrilled as each new note presented to my eardrums. This was it, the album I have been searching for, a successor to the 1995 debut release by Tortoise. Yes, there have obviously been some great albums released since, but in the genre of post-rock, it has been a dozen years since a full-length record has come along and given me the same jolt.
So what is post rock? Isn’t it just instrumental jazz-based rhythms, heavy percussion, some electronic sounds, and a few unfamiliar gadgets on display? More or less, but it’s also a synonym for art rock. The genre is made up of mostly independent artists trying to discover new sounds by any means necessary – bending notes and genres, sampling the unknown, or just experimenting in the studio, but it always stays within a structure – most of the time… Of course the genre doesn’t exist if you ask anyone involved within the scene.
The 5th studio effort from Toronto-based Do Make Say Think (DMST) wastes no time displaying their full range of harmony and their blessed craftsmanship of song. Listening to the new record has finally brought me back to that magical place in my mind. I have finally heard the next great post-rock record.
It seems each DMST album draws closer to the rapture. Some tracks on the new record sound similar to their previous albums, but it’s the constant yearning to grow, expand, and simply perform something brand new – like introducing lyrics on the second track, A With Living. I wasn’t expecting it, but the choir-like singing and vocal arrangement is a bit reminiscent of Antony (Antony & The Johnsons), but musically it’s full of layer-upon-layer and after it finally peaks, the softer, but more gentler horn section draws the song to a satisfying close. A Tender History In Rust is a wonderful Bundy K. Brown-like acoustic piece with a handful of background hums and chants – It’s the perfect late night song to pay attention to over and over again in the moonlight on your front porch. The ever so careful transition into Herstory of Glory will expose listeners to more acoustic guitar, but will also sample various voices of children and a more prominent horn and bass rhythm. The record has a continuous flow to it, which is why it’s so damn easy to listen, but so hard to shut off. Executioner’s Blues is the longest track on the new record, but it’s also the most complete. It shows off every side of the band and it’s intensity and rapid tempo almost sting, but then the enormous pressure is released and the ride comes to a close after a beautiful four minute closing track titled, In Mind. And that is exactly what happens – the perfect melodies and song structure stay in your mind – ready to start the album over once again.
I know I said it earlier, but this album is one of the most satisfying records I’ve heard in this millennium. The artwork and packaging is what is expected from Constellation Records. Anyone familiar with Tortoise, Broken Social Scene, or Akron Family will enjoy this record. Also for fans of Mogwai or Arcade Fire. You will not be disappointed.
I’ve been involved with the local music scene since 1992 when I began at WUNH 91.3 FM in Durham, NH. After DJing and acting as the radio station’s music director in 1996-97 I began working at BullMoose Music upon it’s grand opening and became the location’s indie music buyer. After 3+ years in retail, I decided to finish school and work in the world of computing and Information Technology, but never giving up my interest or involvement with music. After the turn of the century I started a music promotions business, in which I represented Important Records, Broken Sparrow Records, and Aesthetics Records. I also released two Justin Carloni albums under the Sadheel Records label. I later volunteered at WSCA (Portsmouth Community Radio) as Music Director, where I met some great people, expanded the music library, and was nominated for the 2005 CMJ Music Director of the Year. After a few years volunteering and doing weekly radio programs, I decided to exit WSCA and try my hand at booking acts for the Hush Hush Sweet Harlot music series at The Red Door. Laurel Brauns had worked her magic the previous two years, but was soon moving to Oregon, which gave me the opportunity to book live music beginning in January 2006. This whole story finally leads us to the following news…