This is another one of those albums that I’ve heard about in passing and has been recommended to me by online retailer algorithms based on past purchases.

I’ll start off by saying that I like this album, but I’m not sure where to go from there; quite frankly it takes me a little bit out of my comfort zone. The drums play a rock beat every once in a while, but it isn’t a rock album. It’s not emo or alternative and not quite indie-rock. I’ve heard things like “chamber pop” and comparisons made with Belle & Sebastian. I’m not sure if any of those things are fair to this album though. What is it like?!

The album is a concept from start to finish. The liner notes are printed in a morbid funeral program mock up, delicious and unsettling at the same time. The opening song, “Neighborhood #1 (Tunnels)” opens a lot like a funeral dirge might start, sneaks away from it slowly as drums and quiet guitars find their way into the mix. “Neighborhood #2 (Laika)” starts out with drums on a steady rock beat straight way, but is difused a bit by the acordion that follows. The lyrics during the verse are quick and halting, but the chorus continues the sorrowful theme that is consistent throughout the album. Transistions in these songs vary from super gradual to sudden, but always feel right.

“Neighborhood #4 (7 Kettles)” makes a great use of sampled whistling tea kettles. It doesn’t come off as gimmicky like so many alternative artists who thought it would be cool to use the sound of gurgling bong water. The song has a little more of a folk feel to it, more defined, and is a little more comfortable on first listen than some of the other songs.

The title may suggest that this is one you’ll want to save for rainy days and those times when you’re convinced you want to hang onto a bad mood. However, the delivery has something of an empowering vibe that might work well on even those sun-shiny happy days.

Why wouldn’t you like this album? If an over zealolus Arcade Fire fan tried to shove it down your throat, the gag reflex would kick in and you’d be put off Funeral forever. The way to enjoy this album is to just relax and discover it on your own terms. It’s great music, but there is no need to go nuts. They haven’t reinvented the wheel here, just put some new fangled tires on it.

Songs That Will Grow On You

All of these had to grow on me, but your mileage may vary. I wasn’t sure about this album the first couple of listens, but it’s palatable enough that you won’t feel burdened by listening to it again.

Songs I Could Do Without

There are only ten songs total and I don’t think I’d want to get rid of any of them. The last song, “In The Backseat”, is a little weird, but not bad. I can’t give it the axe because it’s the right way to end the album.

Filed under: Album Reviews, Reviews by John