FIND A PLACE TO BE SAFE

Lately my love for post rock has increased (I have always liked) due to the discovery of newer bands that have really caught my attention. It is great to see this movement has reached popularity from all around the globe, including of course, Europe. And more specific, Germany has raised the hand and said they are on the same line, the same direction, and have nothing to ask to those post rock giants, such as Canada or USA.

Thanks to a friend, I was introduced to "Collapse under the Empire" which is a German duo with Matthew Jason playing guitars and drums, and Chris Burda on keyboards and also drums. They formed the band in 2007 and have released excellent post-rock albums, such as this, that I am reviewing. Entitled "Find a Place to be Safe", this 2009 release offers eleven compositions and a total time of 49 minutes that I am sure, you will enjoy.

It opens with "Captured Moments" which is a fascinating introduction to the band's sound. I like how it starts slowly and then little by little progresses until it reaches a climax. The atmosphere created is excellent, and better if we realize it was made by only two talented men. If you don't know they are a duo, you may think it is performed by at least four members. "Crawling" is one of my preferred tracks on this album. The piano work, together with drums and guitars is fabulous, and also how the song makes a crescendo until it explodes and sounds louder, and this time, better.

The title track, "Find a Place to be Safe" is the longest composition. The atmosphere is different from the previous tracks, there is a feeling of desolation and solitude. Later it brings several inner changes of both, mood and sound, which makes a richer track full of colours and textures. The last two minutes are full of energy and will make you move your body until it all of a sudden fades out into a gentle ambient sound.

"Tranquility" does not really reflect the title on the music, however it is a brilliant track. The four minutes are consistent and complex, not that heavy but it will appeal to any fan of the heavy side of post rock (or post metal, if you wish). "Angel of Incidence" follows the same path, there are moments of softness where the structure is being built up, and moments of power and emotion where drums, guitars and keyboards reach a moment of perfection, and the listener can feel pleased. So can the band.

"Decay" is another good track, the thing here is that the repetition of the formula may cause you weariness (hope not to be so rude with that adjective), but I felt that way, a bit tired of that repetition. As a single track, I repeat, it is very good actually. "Far to the Past" is shorter and starts different, with some kind of xylophone sound which is later joined by drums and keyboards making a repetitive sound. Before reaching the first minute, guitars appear and change the rhythm and style for some seconds, but later it returns as it began, and so on.

"A Smell of Boiled Greens" is the shortest track. Electronic oriented, sounds like the interlude of a film or TV show. Not really necessary, in my opinion. "Intelligence" has a cool sound all over the track, the orchestra-like keyboard sound makes it pretty interesting, it gives a more emotional feeling to the music. The electronic noises and raw guitars were perfectly placed in this piece, and I really like its changes, it is balanced. A clear example of the quality of this band.

"Conscious of thirty-nine" starts softly but a minute later it changes, with the addition of the electronic element making a peculiar sound. A thing I enjoy a lot is that they manage to make several "mini changes" within every single track, like dividing the song in a hundred pieces and gather them little by little, without harming the structure, nor the listener's attention. And last but not least, "Take a Shot on me" closes this album. After an odd first minute, the song shows its essence and shares that Collapse under the Empire sound.

This is an excellent record, I like it a lot, the only problem I found is that in moments it I felt tired of the same sound, however, it is a strong post rock album which I recommend to anyone who like this genre. My final grade will be four stars.

Enjoy it!

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