This Will Destroy You / Lymbyc Systym

This Will Destroy You (TWDY) and Lymbyc Systym's five-track split, Field Studies, starts incongruently. Hints of distortion begin humongous leadoff track "Brutalism and the Worship" before bloating into a sudden wall of sound. The quick change plays like a misplaced Godspeed You! Black Emperor bridge, leaving the following eight minutes floundering. It highlights the EP's one problem: syntax. By definition, a crescendo needs a build-up and the premature exasperation of "Brutalism and the Worship" sullies the potentially moving orchestral number. "Freedom Blade" fares better, bringing haunting strings to the forefront, yet downplaying potential melancholy with a smattering of friendly fuzz. And then Arizona vowel haters Lymbyc Systym arrive to entirely redeem the disc. "Processed Spirits" sees a lazy day guitar line, fluttering keys and muffled dialogue flirt amiably until a soaring trumpet delivers the catharsis that "Brutalism and the Worship" promised. Similarly, closer "Narita" layers atmospheric touches (à la Explosions in the Sky and Sigur Rós) to craft a surprising lullaby. Field Studies may be back-loaded but it's worth the fast-forwarding.