REVIEW: The Drift - Blue Hour

The Drift - Blue Hour
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Love is, arguably, the biggest inspiration for most music, past and present. There’s an inexplicable power in love that can influence, or touch, even the coldest of hearts and minds. Death also happens to be quite the catalyst when it comes to music, hanging overhead like a cloud that refuses to go away. When love and death cross paths, the ensuing inspiration draws out something especially moving. Blue Hour is a perfect example of this intersection.

LISTEN: The Drift - "Horizon"

In the wake of death comes such great emotional weight, and, in turn, inspiration. For the members of San Francisco instrumental rock group The Drift, the past two years have been particularly trying, especially after the passing of Jeff Jacobs, the band's trumpet and flugel horn player. Jacobs' spirit lives on, his memory honored, throughout The Drift's new LP, Blue Hour. It's an album that stands tall with a resilient sound that speaks volumes to the power of the soul in overcoming grief and pain.

One of the album's standout tracks, "Horizon," is anchored by a heavy bassline and enriched with a dynamic range of guitar textures, from winding leads to shots of dissonance. It features the mood of post-rock and the muscle and emotive tug of post-hardcore. Check it out below.

MP3: The Drift - "Horizon"

Listen to the New Explosions In the Sky Album Right Now

As previously reported, post-rock masters Explosions In the Sky are releasing their sixth studio album, Take Care, Take Care, Take Care, on April 26th in the U.S. (it came out yesterday in the UK). So, while you readers oversees are already submerged in the new sonic world the band has created, those of us here in the States must wait. SIKE! You can totally hear the whole thing below, right now.

LISTEN: Explosions In the Sky - Take Care, Take Care, Take Care

LISTEN: Explosions In the Sky Share "Trembling Hands" from New LP

It's been four years since the release of Explosions In the Sky's last album, 2007's All of a Sudden I Miss Everyone. Upon the release of that album, the band garnered quite a bit of attention and critical praise, more than they ever had before. It seemed like they were one of the first, if not the first, post-rock/all instrumental band to hit what was an almost mainstream level -- at least here in the U.S. And now, the band is set to return with their sixth studio album entitled Take Care, Take Care, Take Care. Needless to say, this new album is kind of highly-anticipated.

Take Care, Take Care, Take Care is scheduled for release on April 18 in the UK, April 25 in Europe, and April 26 on Temporary Residence Ltd. in the U.S. Fortunately, you won't have to wait that long to score some music from the new album. Stream and then download album track "Trembling Hands" below. It's one of the most aggressive, fast-paced EITS songs I've heard in a while.

Explosions In the Sky - "Trembling Hands"


Download "Trembling Hands" and read about the ridiculously awesome packaging for the new LP after the hop.

REVIEW: Maserati - Pyramid of the Sun

Maserati - Pyramid of the Sun
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A pyramid exists when three points converge, meeting at a single point. Maserati, a Georgia-based quartet, lost their drummer, Gerhardt "Jerry" Fuchs, in a tragic accident last year. Before Fuchs' death, Maserati were in the midst of working on a new album, for which Fuchs had recorded a number of drum tracks. The future of the band and their new album were put into question following the loss of Fuchs, one of the most significant creative forces behind their sound. The three remaining members (guitarists Matt Cherry and Coley Dennis, bassist Chris McNeal) were adamant about completing the album, uniting to ensure that something special would result from Jerry Fuchs’ final recordings.

It’s hard to think of an album other than Pyramid of the Sun that speaks more distinctly and eloquently to the spirit, heart, and mind without the utterance of one single word. Without words, Maserati have managed to create a moving memorial for their fallen friend, brother, and musical partner. Pyramid of the Sun is the sound of hope in darkness and the ability and strength of memory to defeat pain and mortality. Maserati are defined by their precision and timing, racing with a sleek and fervent sound. They aren’t about songs as much as they are about the harmony of movement, pace, and direction. With Pyramid of the Sun, we hear the unity of four musically like-minded individuals resulting in one powerful collective force.

Maserati Announce Fall Tour Dates, Hear 2 New Songs

By Fred Weaver

Athens-based post-rockers Maserati are set to release their new album, Pyramid of the Sun, on November 9th through Temporary Residence. The album features eight songs, including two collaborations with Steve Moore (Zombi), and was mixed by Justin Van Der Volgen (!!!, Out Hud) and Jeremy deVine (Temporary Residence Founder).

On November 8th of last year, drummer Gerhardt "Jerry" Fuchs died after falling down an elevator shaft. He was on his way to a benefit that was being held to raise education funds for underprivileged children in India. The elevator he was riding with a friend stopped between floors, so Fuchs and his friend decided to jump out to the nearest floor. His friend made it, but when Fuchs jumped, a piece of his clothing got caught on the elevator, pulling him back which caused him to fall to his untimely death. When I found out about his death -- let alone how he died -- I was in total shock. I'm glad that there is more music from Fuchs on the horizon, allowing him to live on for future generations.

Pyramid of the Sun is one of Fuchs' final recordings. His death halted the recording process, which had already begun before his passing. But the band was determined to complete the album, in memory of Fuchs. They spent the better part of a year laboring over the album's completion. Realizing that it was one of his final recordings, they paid great attention to detail and took a lot of care in ensuring that the album would be finished right, continuing the legacy of Jerry Fuchs.