GOODBYE ENEMY AIRSHIP THE LANDLORD IS DEAD

It would make for a delightful conversation to wonder aloud about Do Make Say Think's fortunes when they dropped this, their best album. Did coming out in post-rock's golden age, alongside Godspeed, Mogwai, Tortoise, and Explosions In The Sky's great works, hinder the band's chances of getting more widely noticed, or did they just miss a good chance? Or neither? In any case, looking back now we can dig up this lost gem and enjoy it for what it is, and maybe even for what it could have been. Unique to Think's style is a particular love for more spirited, energetic sections - and so this album could be said to be the post-rock opus for those who think most post is a slog. It doesn't feel wrong to say this is as much a fun listen as it is a relaxing and beautiful one. The sound is also oriented towards guitars and horns, augmented by some well used and well played drums. This sometimes feels like Neutral Milk Hotel on post. And, all in all, the musicianship on the record is altogether great enough to take their sound and make it in its best moments more than half as epic as Godspeed's greatest moments, and that, as postheads should know, is saying quite a lot. See that in effect in the climactic portion of "The Landlord is Dead" and be amazed. Much as it might be prudent to round this album down, the spirit and epic qualities of this work deserve top marks. Check it out.