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Dylan Carlson is back with a new Earth studio release -- finally and after such long last. What does he have in store for those interested in arguably the first name in DRONE? Well, this is a change-up pitch, pure and simple. Like seeing a knuckler after fouling off 6 fast balls, this one will likely catch you off guard. Gone is the ominous, droning electronic disturbance of guitar that sort of typified the band's previous output (which was still quite varied in its own right from album to album) and in its place is a different sort of drone. Oh, the guitar is still electric, just not massively distorted, and the music is certainly still a bit unsettling, but it's also quite beautiful, you see. Sure, "Earth2: Special Low Frequency Version" is lovely, too, and everyone's favorite previous album of theirs, really, but "Hex; Or Printing in the Infernal Method" is something altogether different and special. And did I say beautiful? 'Cause it is.
This newest Earth offering has been described as a "slow motion spaghetti-western soundtrack" and I'd say that's not an entirely incorrect depiction, regardless of who said it. Without seeing the preceding comment that has actually since been attributed to Southern Lord's Greg Anderson his damned self, I thought of "Hex..." as such: This is the soundtrack to a silent Johnny Cash biopic filmed by auteur David Lynch with a musical assist from surf godfather Dick Dale. On downers. Lots of 'em. (This is, of course, in addition to regular Lynch musical collaborator and cohort Angelo Badalamenti.) There is a truly sultry vibe to this record that even invokes Hank Williams, Sr. -- original versions according to his long standing but disparate themes of desolation coupled with hope, but especially as covered by The The in terms of the music. (By the way, "Hanky Panky" is the name of that great record.)
So yes, Earth's droning is still present but lap & pedal steel guitars in addition to a baritone guitar provides much of it this time around. It is worth noting that a trombone, tubular bells, and a banjo (!) also appear on this great record in addition to the standard drums, bass, and guitars. Earth is as hypnotic (and slow) as ever but the startlingly haunting bedside manner of "Hex..." is truly awesome. This is definitely not what you would expect from the forebear of DRONE, but it is killer, nonetheless. Not Metal, certainly not. Just excellent. This is the soundtrack to southern isolation, forget about what the former Mrs. Anselmo may have suggested. Bonus: Apple's iTunes punched up this record as one in the Country genre. Has The Lord really branched out that far from Doom to Black Metal all the way to Country? Who cares. Earth is back and that's reason enough to rejoice. Review in two words: majestic resonance.
| Tracklist |
| 1. Mirage |
| 2. Land Of Some Other Order |
| 3. The Dire And Ever Circling Wolves |
| 4. Left In The Desert |
| 5. Lens Of Unrectified Night |
| 6. An Inquest Concerning Teeth |
| 7. Raiford (The Felon Wind) |
| 8. The Dry Lake |
| 9. Tethered To The Polestar |
: 46.26
| Buy other Earth albums |
