Review: A Place To Bury Strangers - Exploding Head
The album is called Exploding Head, which is probably a warning to casual listeners, because this puppy is loud! With sonic textures reminiscent of The Jesus And Mary Chain’s “Psychocandy,” the New York trio of Oliver Ackermann, Jono MOFO, and Jay Space have created an album that is both a resurrection of classic shoegaze and an exploration of new fusions with psychedelic and space rock. The blistering soundscapes cannot be overemphasized, and considering A Place To Bury Strangers’ lead singer Ackermann is an effects pedal manufacturer in his spare time, these sounds are most certainly by-design and not divine accident.
This album is all darkside. Tracks like “Lost Feeling,” slowly churn with droning isolation, while the band flexes its muscles with thumping bass and scratchy surf rocking chords on “Deadbeat.” A Place To Bury Strangers even indulges a bit in some goth/synth on “Keep Slipping Away,” successfully channeling New Order in the process. Just try to listen to this album and not wish it was midnight.
Often comparisons to other, bygone bands is a blow to a group’s artistic credibility, but in this case it is meant as a sincere compliment. A Place To Bury Strangers has smoothly blended a number of older sounds and pushed something familiar, yet refreshing out of their ultra-fuzzy amps. The kicker is that “Exploding Head” feels whole instead of a handful of winners surrounded by filler. I hope to hear more in the future and look forward to the further interpretation of shoegaze by a band who definitely understands its elements.
