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By: Scott Mehaffey
Date: 16th May 08
Release: Album
To Cure: A predictable playlist
What:
The Airing Of Grievances
Who:
Titus Andronicus
On:
Troubleman Unlimited
From the opening track of Titus Andronicus' debut album (bar the one minute lead-in), the group let it be known they intend to delivered detached rock music with a generous dash of urgency, an infectious streak of quasi-quirkiness, muffled production, and twee-like charm.
The album flows immaculately from start to finish, ebbing slightly toward the end of the record before crashing in a flourish of aloof vibrancy and eccentric warmth. A mixture of post-rock, psych, blues and general alt permeate the overall sound of the record, with a minor cluster of various other styles trailing in the aural depths amongst the clutter.
Employing a sound something like Jay Reatard flirting with Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, but only after first inseminating Arcade Fire, Titus Andronicus have created a record full of lush melodies, swelling harmonies and muddled, yet sickly sweet tones. With this, their grand entrance into the world of full-length releases, the band have managed to deliver on their blistering live shows by releasing a masterful LP which expands the boundaries of auditory substance, and confirms that music can be a mixture of raucousness, casual ambience and melody, yet still be highly palatable.