At this point, after having released one of the very best albums of 2007 as well as the very best EP of 2009, it should be no surprise that Blitzen Trapper‘s 2010 full length, “Destroyer of the Void,” is nothing short of brilliant. As is their custom, the band blends 1960s sunny pop as well as unique beach boy influences with moody Americana, indie rock as well as folk.
The opening, title track is epic. It’s a six-plus minute journey with time modifications as well as myriad musical styles that serves as the perfect introduction for this eclectic album. It never stands still, never gets complacent, as well as never rests. It’s the closest thing to Wilco I’ve heard since Yankee hotel Foxtrot. It’s the Portland, Oregon sextet’s White Album. On it, they seem to pay tribute to Bob Dylan; Brian Wilson; crunchy 70’s garage-psych; airy, melodic 60’s pop; the jammy prog rock of the Grateful Dead; as well as even Kansas. If that seems exhausting, I have to agree. If there’s one fault with the album it is that it demands so much of the listener. even the most simple tunes like folky sing-along The Tree (with Alela Diane) as well as the bluesy traditional rocker evening star are more challenging than catchy. familiar seems weave throughout these songs—there are melodies we can acknowledge (“Hey, Mr. Tambourine Man!”) however they are reworked, as well as they only go so far before ending abruptly as well as turning into something wholly original. The vocals are so light that they invite the ears to listen easy. however there is nothing simple listening about this album.
And that’s what increases it so far above the shoulders of both its influences as well as compatriots.
The Tree (feat. Alela Diane)
BONUS COVER:
Star Me Kitten (REM cover)