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I've been wanting to review this album since March. So, why the delay? For starters, the album that I speak of, is Pre-Language, the second full-length release from Chicago band, Disappears. Notably, it is also the first record featuring debutant drummer, Steve Shelley, of Sonic Youth fame. With that being said, the change in ranks has made for a significant syncopation.
Like most things you come into contact with, there will be always be a honeymoon period. I thought I would stretch it out over several weeks and see how I felt afterwards. Has my perception altered after all that time? Not really. If anything, it only cemented and emphasised the difference between Pre-Language and their previous product, Lux.
As the dawn of a new era emerges from the opener "Replicate," there is a sense of an awakening new revolution of sound as they march to the beat of their own (new) drum(mer). The plague of resilient drone that personified the prior LP was abolished in favour of something more sharp and succinct, suggesting a new direction of progression.
One of the highlights, "Joa," could easily be mistaken for a James Bond soundtrack with a resounding riff that makes you wonder why no-one ever came up with it before. Just brilliant.
"All Gone White" takes advantage of a melodic structure in the scales while "Fear of Darkness" has this intriguing nature that abruptly fades before you even had a chance to figure it out.
Steve Shelley gets his moment in the limelight as "Love Drug" allows his amazing drum abilities to shine through as the build-up in the finale resonates and reels you in.
The only reservation I have is that one track is extremely redundant and sticks out like a sore thumb, which is the closer "Brother Joliene," making for a less than thrilling exit, especially when the sequential flow of tracks made me yearn for more.
Overall, the sophomore album has made quite a progression since the debut release, as the band sounds much more cohesive, clear and captivating with tendencies to make you wonder what's next for Disappears. We can only wait with baited breath.
