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Trail
of Dead “Worlds Apart” From the Rest
On their new album, “Worlds Apart,” ...And You Will Know Us by the Trail of Dead comes across like a punk rock Pink Floyd. They add horns, choir and even a classical violin solo to their thrashing guitars and pounding drums to create the first great album of 2005. With this album Trail of Dead spits in the music industry's face and keeps on walking with their head held high. In a time when the music industry is most happy sticking with what they know will work, “Worlds Apart is a welcome relief. This album is majestic, beautiful and heavy at the same time. The first track, “Ode to Isis,” starts off quietly then builds into a crescendo complete with a choir chanting names of Egyptian Gods. It only picks up from there with thundering drums and tempo changes in the second track, “Will You Smile Again?”
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Trail of Dead use classical music to form epic interludes between songs. The music does not feel forced. They utilize the talents of a fantastic string section lead by John Painter. Painter also plays all the horns on the album. The classical element in this album works best on the track “To Russia My Homeland.” The whole track is a violin solo backed by drums. The majority of this album consists of great rock and roll. The title track criticizes America's endless fascination with fame and fortune. “Caterwaul” and “The Rest Will Follow” are finding airtime on rock radio across the country. “Let It Dive” is musically upbeat with a soaring melody. During “Summer of '91” lead singer Conrad Keely comes very close to sounding like Roger Waters of Pink Floyd fame. As early in 2005 as it may be, Trail of Dead have created one of the best albums you will hear all year. In the title track Keely sings “What's the future of rock and roll?” No one can give an exact answer, but it would definitely include Trail of Dead. “Worlds Apart” was released on January 25. GRADE: A For more information:
www.trailofdead.com |