Wye Oak : Civilian :: Review
It’s about time that people start to notice Wye Oak. They have toured incessantly and developed a reputation as a live powerhouse since their inception. Although they share many similarities with kindred Baltimore spirits Beach House, it appears that they have finally come into their own on third album, “Civilian.” It appears that the third time is the charm considering that Wye Oak has gotten around to crafting an album that is as muscular as it is atmospheric.
“Two Small Deaths” kicks off the album with a fading sample of a crowd before delving into angular guitar work and an almost mathematical rhythm track. Then something magical happens, the guitar cascades off the rhythm track and draws into its wall of sound that it has just built. Things segue into the laconic shift of “The Altar” that pensively builds into the Crazy Horse-like bluster of “Holy Holy.” Wye Oak has never crafted their chaos this well and been able to rein it in without sounding forced. “Dog Eyes” buffers the magisterial title track “Civilian” which itself erupts with the perfect combination of organ, drum and guitar squall. Neil Young should probably book this band as openers on his current tour.
The hazy and pensive sound of “Fish” demonstrates that lead Jenn Wasner and drummer Andy Stack excel at composing shifting textures without losing their sense of album continuity. Things slow down with the stop/start rhythms of “Plains” which feels like it wants to blow up in your face rather than become stuck in turgid mire. “Hot As Day” is a restless number that gives way to the Beach House-isms of “We Were Wealth” and “Doubt” which quietly close the album. “Civilian” is a promising album from a young band that no longer appears hesitant for their time in the sun.
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