Frog Eyes
Tears of the Valedictorian
2007 | Absolutely Kosher
Part
of the fun of listening to Frog Eyes is comparing what you think you
heard to what is actually being sung, 9 times out of 10 I’m completely
off. There are great stories hidden under the ferocious roaring of
Carey Mercer though, and Tears of the Valedictorian, the sixth release from the British Columbia band, proves to be their best yet.
Hearing
Mercer for the first time can be a bit daunting. He lures you in with
melodic whispers then lashes out with growls that can be mistaken for
nonsensical babblings. These vocal spasms may be the frantic ravings of
a madman, but there’s always a little madness in genius. “Tears” is
polished without sounding too overworked. There are the usual elements
that one expects from a Frog Eyes’ piece- thunderous beats offset by
melodic keys, but the album possesses a heavier feeling this time. The
combination of orchestral-like layers of instruments with the demented,
carnival-like organs and cymbal pings produces a slightly creepy and
yet sad tone that is found in bits and pieces all over the album. The
irregularity found in their earlier works has now grown and evolved
here so that the album feels complete.
I’m finding it hard to
recommend just one or two songs to listen to. Every song deserves a
spotlight, whether it’s the sprawling "Caravan Breakers They Prey on
the Weak and the Old" or the last echoing notes of "My Boats They Go."
So, I suggest that you go out, listen to the album and enjoy it has a
whole.
-Elana Rintala
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