…And You Will Know Us by the Trail of Dead: Tao of the Dead (Richter Scale Records / Superball Music, 2/8/11)
…And You Will Know Us by the Trail of Dead: “Weight of the Sun”
[audio:http://alarm-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/Trail_of_Dead_Weight_of_the_Sun.mp3|titles=…And You Will Know Us by the Trail of Dead: “Weight of the Sun”]There has been no shortage of grand themes and allegories in the canon of Austin post-punk quintet …And You Will Know Us by the Trail of Dead. The band’s newest album, however, better matches its ambitious themes with its music, presenting an epic pair of pieces for Tao of the Dead.
The album recalls progressive albums of yore, from the likes of Rush and King Crimson, but channels them into easily digested movements. Stretches of heavy distortion and drum thrashing will appeal to the more metal-minded Trail of Dead fans, but there’s also plenty of hook-laden, radio-ready alternative rock.