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Album Reviews : We Lost the Sea – The Quietest Place on Earth

By on November 22, 2012

We Lost the Sea - The Quietest Place on EarthThere seems to be an endemic of cookie-cutter ‘post’ bands who struggle to get out of the shadow of their heroes to find their own identity. Worse still, many take their lack of originality to new heights of professionalism; matching their bland, uninspired music with carefully rehearsed stage-moves and towering production values. They are then promptly showered with praise by arty European post-crowds, none of whom are too sure if they are being ironic.

I can think of few things more depressing than a professionally bland rock band. They seem an insult to musicians who pour their souls into what they do; shadowy wraiths devoid of original thought let alone honest self-expression. I’m trying hard not to name names, but somehow listening to such bands really torments me – far worse than if they were just outright terrible. Perhaps it’s a matter of wasted potential. Perhaps is just a little bit of jealousy as to their success.

But I digress.

It is against this backdrop of skepticism and cynicism that I sit back to absorb We Lost the Sea‘s new record The Quietest Place on Earth. Thankfully, I have no fear of having to relive my trauma, because this album is excellent.

The Quietest Place on Earth opens delicately; a softly played grand piano and whispered vocals over a gentle, shoegaze guitar. The piece builds layer upon layer for the next eight minutes before reaching a dramatic climax. The second track, ‘Barkhan Charge’, however, is far less subtle. Vocalist Torpy roars while the band proceeds to repeatedly bludgeon the listener with the full power of their weighty ensemble.

The difference between these two songs sets up a dynamic that seems to carry through the album – softer, introspective pieces offset by moments of brutal intensity. This variety makes this album such a pleasure to listen to. Songs like ‘With Grace’ recall the more beautiful moments of Godspeed You! Black Emperor, while ‘A Day and Night of Misfortune – ii Night’ sinks into the dark, driving depths of Earth‘s Hex: Or Printing in the Infernal Method.

But the real standout – and surprise – of the album is ‘Forgotten People’; a gorgeous, vocally-driven track featuring one Bel Licciardello. This piece too opens with a grand piano and stripped back drums, before building to an emotional crescendo of gazing, shimmering guitars.

The album closes with a grinding final track that gives way to spacious piano work and Orson Wells reciting the opening passage from Herman Melville’s Moby Dick. An impressive ending for a profoundly impressive album.

Songs like ‘Forgotten People’ demonstrate just how far We Lost the Sea have matured beyond their debut effort. They’ve revealed themselves as a preeminent post-metal band with a strong feel for the more nuanced dynamics of shoegaze, ambiance and post-rock.

The impact of these songs is compounded by gorgeous production work. Tim Carr’s work over at Studios 301 is impeccable. Each instrument has plenty of dynamic room to breathe, and the mix is faultless — which is really saying something when a band like We Lost the Sea boasts seven-plus members. The vastness of their sound is impressive.

This another one of those Australian albums that fills me with a sense of happiness and contentment knowing that my friends and fellow musicians are capable of producing music that is on-par — if not better than — the vast majority of what is offered internationally. I only hope a day will come where bands such as We Lost the Sea get the attention they serve on the world stage.

Certainly shortlisted for the best of 2012, and essential for any fans of Cult of Luna, Godspeed You! Black Emperor, Isis, Rosetta, Russian Circles – or anyone who likes intelligent, cinematic music. I am very excited to get my hands on this awesome double LP.

Band: We Lost the Sea
Album: The Quietest Place on Earth
Year: 2012
Genre: Post-metal / shoegaze / post-rock
Label: Bird’s Robe Records
Origin: Sydney, Australia
http://welostthesea.bandcamp.com/

Track-list:

  1. A Quiet Place
  2. Barkhan Charge
  3. With Grace
  4. Forgotten People
  5. Nuclear City
  6. A Day and Night of Misfortune – i. Day
  7. A Day and Night of Misfortune – ii. Night

About

In his spare time, Lachlan melts cephalopods and sorts raw numbers. He runs Art As Catharsis, plays guitar in Serious Beak, Adrift for Days and Battle Pope and writes philosophy at Writing As Catharsis. Follow him on tumblr or Twitter.