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Out This Week: Wolf Parade's At Mount Zoomer
by Bailey Pennick posted June 18, 2008
"In my head is a city at night." After the quiet, yet intriguing keyboard and guitar introduction of "Soldier's Grin," Boeckner passionately utters this phrase, setting the theme and tone of the newest studio recording of Wolf Parade. At Mount Zoomer, named for the recording studio where most of the album was recorded (parts also recorded at Petite Église, a church which is now owned by fellow Canadian indie musicians Arcade Fire), marks the second LP for the band, and their most cohesive work yet. The creative genius of Dan Boeckner and Spencer Krug finally come together to create a powerhouse album, complete with a theme/message, energy, innovative musicianship, and a lasting effect on the listener.
A call for change within our society and our cities is clearly seen within the nine song LP, specifically through songs such as "Soldier's Grin", "Language City", and "Bang Your Drum." Unsurprisingly, these are also some of the best songs on the album. "Language City" is Boeckner's best contribution to At Mount Zoomer. Its upbeat tempo, solid drumming and seamless piano/keyboard layers make "Language City" the stand out track of the album. This outwardly pleasant sound contrasted with its dark message through the lyrics builds into a whirlwind of intense sound with the powerful repetition of "We are not at home." Boeckner also shines through "The Grey Estates," a short and complete track filled with entrancing progressions and a sense of whimsy.
While it is true that At Mount Zoomer showcases some of Dan Boeckner's best work, Spencer Krug's songs do not fade into the background. Transforming with each song, Krug perfects the darker tracks of the album with hints of Television ("Call It A Ritual") and David Bowie in his unique vocals. "An Animal In Your Care" is reminiscent of Bowie's "Rock and Roll Suicide" had it been recorded in an echoing hall. Even with tracks that start off rather forgetful and slow such as "California Dreamer," Spencer Krug kicks the songs into so high a gear that by the end of the song you are screaming along with him: "I thought I might have heard you on the radio…"
With the overwhelming theme of cities in ruin and corruption, Wolf Parade makes a distinct statement through a landmark album. It is amazing to experience the great flow of ideas and creativity between both writers in At Mount Zoomer; that kind of cohesion was lacking in Apologies To The Queen which was released three years ago. This melding of both styles and minds is finalized within the nearly 11 minute experimental track "Kissing The Beehive" which is credited to both men. At Mount Zoomer is evidence that Wolf Parade is now a complete band, not just another side project.
A call for change within our society and our cities is clearly seen within the nine song LP, specifically through songs such as "Soldier's Grin", "Language City", and "Bang Your Drum." Unsurprisingly, these are also some of the best songs on the album. "Language City" is Boeckner's best contribution to At Mount Zoomer. Its upbeat tempo, solid drumming and seamless piano/keyboard layers make "Language City" the stand out track of the album. This outwardly pleasant sound contrasted with its dark message through the lyrics builds into a whirlwind of intense sound with the powerful repetition of "We are not at home." Boeckner also shines through "The Grey Estates," a short and complete track filled with entrancing progressions and a sense of whimsy.
While it is true that At Mount Zoomer showcases some of Dan Boeckner's best work, Spencer Krug's songs do not fade into the background. Transforming with each song, Krug perfects the darker tracks of the album with hints of Television ("Call It A Ritual") and David Bowie in his unique vocals. "An Animal In Your Care" is reminiscent of Bowie's "Rock and Roll Suicide" had it been recorded in an echoing hall. Even with tracks that start off rather forgetful and slow such as "California Dreamer," Spencer Krug kicks the songs into so high a gear that by the end of the song you are screaming along with him: "I thought I might have heard you on the radio…"
With the overwhelming theme of cities in ruin and corruption, Wolf Parade makes a distinct statement through a landmark album. It is amazing to experience the great flow of ideas and creativity between both writers in At Mount Zoomer; that kind of cohesion was lacking in Apologies To The Queen which was released three years ago. This melding of both styles and minds is finalized within the nearly 11 minute experimental track "Kissing The Beehive" which is credited to both men. At Mount Zoomer is evidence that Wolf Parade is now a complete band, not just another side project.