True to its name, "Weighty Ghost" (the lead single from Wintersleep's third album, Welcome to the Night Sky, and undoubtedly their most popular song to date) has kind of haunted the band ever since its release in 2007. For many listeners, it was their introduction to the Nova Scotian alt-rock group, who, at that point, had mostly peddled a vaguely post-hardcore-ish, electro-acoustic sound. They've never made a song quite the same or as catchy since, instead opting to work within their niche, delivering album after album of accessible, anthemic indie rock, each more powerful than the last.
Thankfully, for long-time fans, Wintersleep's sixth studio-album, The Great Detachment, is a return to form for the group. Compared to the band's previous two efforts (2010's New Inheritors, 2012's Hello Hum), the songs here sound absolutely expansive, with Loel Campbell's heavy-hitting-yet-restrained drumming allowing ample space for Tim D'eon's epic and winding riffs and Paul Murphy's ethereal vocals.
The album was recorded primarily live-off-the-floor at Halifax's Sonic Temple (where their first three albums were recorded), and it's clear that their old stomping grounds provided a major advantage. The band sounds assured and energized on each arrangement here, leading to some of their most evocative songs to date (particularly the opening one-two punch of lead singles "Amerika" and "Santa Fe," as well as the Geddy Lee-assisted "Territory").
Of course, with highs this lofty, many of the album's middle numbers get a bit lost in the mix, but what it lacks in consistency, The Great Detachment makes up for with some of the most memorable and engaging songs of Wintersleep's career.
(Dine Alone)Thankfully, for long-time fans, Wintersleep's sixth studio-album, The Great Detachment, is a return to form for the group. Compared to the band's previous two efforts (2010's New Inheritors, 2012's Hello Hum), the songs here sound absolutely expansive, with Loel Campbell's heavy-hitting-yet-restrained drumming allowing ample space for Tim D'eon's epic and winding riffs and Paul Murphy's ethereal vocals.
The album was recorded primarily live-off-the-floor at Halifax's Sonic Temple (where their first three albums were recorded), and it's clear that their old stomping grounds provided a major advantage. The band sounds assured and energized on each arrangement here, leading to some of their most evocative songs to date (particularly the opening one-two punch of lead singles "Amerika" and "Santa Fe," as well as the Geddy Lee-assisted "Territory").
Of course, with highs this lofty, many of the album's middle numbers get a bit lost in the mix, but what it lacks in consistency, The Great Detachment makes up for with some of the most memorable and engaging songs of Wintersleep's career.