"Somersaults": A Bold Leap into the Unfamiliar
The "NYC" Effect: Embracing Mainstream Indie Influences
The album's second track, "NYC," unexpectedly draws parallels to iconic indie bands like The Strokes, a stark contrast to Deathcrash's previous post-rock leanings. This song exemplifies the band's newfound willingness to incorporate more conventional indie rock elements, showcasing a different facet of their musical identity.
A Transformative Journey from Art-Rock to Balladry
Deathcrash's journey on "Somersaults" is characterized by a "somersault" away from their ethereal art-rock origins towards a more direct and concise form of "sad-boy balladry." While this shift demonstrates their versatility, it also prompts reflection on the intricate world-building that once defined their unique sound.
The Evolution of Lament: Grief in a Streamlined Format
Having initially gained recognition for their protracted slowcore compositions, Deathcrash's current album, "Somersaults," builds upon the trajectory initiated with their 2023 release, "Less." This new work continues to explore profound themes of existential suffering and sorrow, but with a refined and more accessible song structure. Despite this streamlining, the emotional depth and gravity of their lyrical content, which often delves into themes of loss and longing, remain undiminished. The album's approach, therefore, manages to encapsulate their signature immense sorrow within a more compact and polished musical framework.
Exploring Sonic Landscapes: A Fusion of Past and Present
The album "Somersaults" showcases Deathcrash's exploration of diverse musical inspirations. Tracks like "Wrong to Suffer" and "Stay Forever" reveal echoes of Duster and Title Fight, respectively, while "Marie's Last Dance" nods to Beach House. This eclectic mix signifies a band in flux, experimenting with a mosaic of past sounds to forge a new path.
Emotional Resonance: Weaving Tales of Woe and Wanderlust
The narratives within "Somersaults" depict a tapestry of weary, peripatetic souls, from the quiet desolation of "Shy Town" to the transient existence of couch-surfing in California. Frontman Tiernan Banks masterfully articulates these experiences through his distinctive hushed vocals, creating anthems of profound melancholy. This lyrical consistency, despite the musical evolution, ensures that the album retains Deathcrash's signature emotional intensity, compressing expansive sorrows into powerfully succinct expressions.
The Double-Edged Sword of Simplification: Anguish Versus Identity
The core strength of "Somersaults" lies in its deliberate stripping away of superfluous elements, allowing raw emotion to surface. However, this streamlining, while amplifying the band's anguish, inadvertently limits their ability to craft the grand, expansive soundscapes that previously distinguished them. The album, though artfully executed, risks diluting the unique "deathcrash" identity in its pursuit of a more conventional sound.