BORN INTO TROUBLE AS THE SPARKS FLY UPWARDS

Born into Trouble as the Sparks Fly Upwards is overall a good post-rock release that fits within many conventions of the genre: slow, melancholic music that features a diverse instrumentation that builds and builds to noisy, abstract, and challenging crescendos. As a casual fan of the genre, there's a handful of interesting songs to enjoy, but not enough to make it memorable. It's highlights are when the players create a gentle rise and fall of lush strings that give the impression of one gently bobbing on ocean swells or walking amid fields of grain. At its best the album is relaxing and subtle. It's the more experimental parts that don't resonate with me. Some tracks have voice overs or singing that sounds frail and incomplete; others use shrill tones to induce tension or a sense of confusion, which aren't supported enough emotionally by the quite parts that precede. The songs don't strike me as being especially interesting or complex; however, the group's playing is solid and subtle. I especially enjoyed the acoustic bass work and warm, rich guitar vibrato heard on some songs.

That's not to say that these criticisms make Born into Trouble as the Sparks Fly Upwards a bad album, just not one that resonates with me. It may appeal to fans more interested in this minimalist and moody genre, but not for casual fans.

Songwriting: 2 - Instrumental Performances: 3 - Lyrics/Vocals: 2 - Style/Emotion/Replay: 2