The Great Destroyer

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
On their seventh album, the Duluth, Minnesota-based trio Low have sped their songs up considerably so that now, they’re at normal pace. The album was cleverly produced by Dave Fridmann (Mercury Rev, the Flaming Lips, Wheat), and there are many fine songs here, like the upbeat anthem "California," the soundtrack-ish dirge "Pissing" and the gorgeous "Cue The Strings." Low has yet to make a bad album, but this is what you might call a "transitional" album. And speaking of transitions, there seems to be little glue to link these varied songs together. "Step" sounds like a song the Partridge Family threw away, while "Everybody’s Song" shows that when you speed up repetitive dynamics that worked well at a glacial pace it’s not always such a good thing. Tempo isn’t everything by any means, but the self-imposed limitations of their former working methods, which produced such striking songs before, has yet to be replaced by an approach of equal value. At times, they don’t even sound like Low, but rather just another indie-pop band--not a bad one by any means, but not a sublime one either. It’ll be very interesting to see where they go next. --Mike McGonigal --This text refers to the Audio CD edition.

Album Description
Sub Pop is thrilled to announce the signing of Duluth, MN's Low. This is their seventh album, following releases on Kranky and Vernon Yard. Their signature slow-core sound has been significantly updated such that "The Great Destroyer" can be defined as a rock record. It's a fantastically rich album, produced by Dave Fridmann, and an early contender for Best of 2005. --This text refers to the Audio CD edition.

Tracks:

Monkey
California
Everybody's Song
Silver Rider
Just Stand Back
On The Edge Of
Cue The Strings
Step
When I Go Deaf
Broadway (So Many People)
Pissing
Death of a Salesman
Walk Into The Sea

Amazon.com

On their seventh album, the Duluth, Minnesota-based trio Low have sped their songs up considerably so that now, they're at normal pace. The album was cleverly produced by Dave Fridmann (Mercury Rev, the Flaming Lips, Wheat), and there are many fine songs here, like the upbeat anthem "California," the soundtrack-ish dirge "Pissing" and the gorgeous "Cue The Strings." Low has yet to make a bad album, but this is what you might call a "transitional" album. And speaking of transitions, there seems to be little glue to link these varied songs together. "Step" sounds like a song the Partridge Family threw away, while "Everybody's Song" shows that when you speed up repetitive dynamics that worked well at a glacial pace it's not always such a good thing. Tempo isn't everything by any means, but the self-imposed limitations of their former working methods, which produced such striking songs before, has yet to be replaced by an approach of equal value. At times, they don't even sound like Low, but rather just another indie-pop band--not a bad one by any means, but not a sublime one either. It'll be very interesting to see where they go next. --Mike McGonigal

Album Description

Sub Pop is thrilled to announce the signing of Duluth, MN's Low. This is their seventh album, following releases on Kranky and Vernon Yard. Their signature slow-core sound has been significantly updated such that "The Great Destroyer" can be defined as a rock record. It's a fantastically rich album, produced by Dave Fridmann, and an early contender for Best of 2005.

Customer Reviews:

The most beautiful thing.......2006-03-03

This is a great album. For me this is actually the best pop record in 2005. The producer David Fridmann is simply at its best (and ''connoisseurs'' must know what it means). He gives this album an unusual intensity that is rather new for the slow-core usual style of the Duluth band. Low lyrics are pure poetry and their way of singing is very sincere and goes deep in your limbic system. The whole is a very beautiful, very unhealthy post-rock serenade.

Nothing other than a great album.......2006-01-19

Quickly, I consider my tastes pretty selective, and I think it important enough to add that this is nothing other than a great album from start to finish. I'm rarely inspired to review a CD, but this one deserves a full five stars. I imagine some think Low show remain more lo-fi. Regardless - not that this album is that much of a change as some might say - this is a fantastic album and should be explored by anyone questioning taking a shot on new music.

Cue the Strings.......2006-01-19

Much of the hype surrounding the latest Low claimed the band's formula had changed considerably, namely the songs were faster and cheerier. Well, they tempo increased for some songs, but otherwise it didn't differ from previous releases, which is a good thing. And despite the presence of lighter fare such as California and Broadway (So Many People), the song I continually return to is the one that most closely adheres to the "old" Low, Cue the Strings. Basically, as long as Alan and Mimi are harmonizing over a heartbreaking melody, I'm happy. If anything, Destroyer feels transitional, as if the change is on the horizon. Whether or not the new Low will be as successful as the Low we all know and love remains to be seen, for now fans can rest easy.

Low: The Great Destroyer (Subpop, 2005).......2006-01-07

Hearing rumors of Low's change in tempo and sound before the release of The Great Destroyer made me a tad nervous. I love Low's music and, like most fans, I was hoping that it didn't change them so much that they didn't sound like Low anymore. Well, all of my fears have been allayed and I am happy to say that I am enamored with Destroyer. Alan, Mimi, and Travis have delivered what for them is an aggressive disc with solid, breathtaking songs. Of more interest is the fact that they have moved to the Subpop label and will be getting more circulation as far as distribution is concerned. This, coupled with some of their more accessible (and I don't mean that in a negative way) songs, there may be a new nation of Low fans soon.

The Great Destroyer begins with a track titled "Monkey." The tribal beat of this song wakes up the demons hiding under Low's bed. It seems that the noise has finally broken through and some angst has come through. "Monkey" begins with a fuzzy hum and breaks out into a tribal beat with fuzzed out bass. The lyrics center around a lie that has ruptured a relationship and the struggles with that lie. Destroying the monkey is the key and repairing the relationship is what Alan and Mimi croon for. What is great about this sort of song on the album is that Low has lost nothing in the translation. In spite of the speed being picked up and the louder version of themselves, they still sound like Low. They are still patient in their vocal phrases and really do draw out the notes in the context of a poppier song. Honestly, I think that is an amazing feat.

"California," their first single, is definitely the most accessible song on the disc. It is a straightforward indie-pop song that is full and beautiful. I don't mean to rant about this, but I think it's also amazing that they are able to sustain the sound they sustain using the same instrumentation they have always used. There is simply a 2-drum kit, bass, and a guitar with Mimi and Alan's angelic vocals. Low is certainly master of their art. I think my favorite moment in the song is the bridge where Mimi and Alan sing aucapela. "California" melts into "Everybody's Song," which is rough in its texture and strident in its rhythm. It is powerful and full. The album really gets represents the theme of the album, that of destruction. The use of feedback on this track is awesome and happens perfectly and momentarily.

"Silver Rider" follows on the heals of the noise and returns the listener to the Low they have come to know and love. Slow, beautiful, patient. This song appeared first on the Murderer 10" that came out last year. As far as I can tell, this is a new, re-recorded version of the song and it actually is one of my favorite Low songs. It tells the epic tale of an unsung, unknown super hero called the Silver Rider. Also, the title of the album appears in this song. Perhaps Silver Rider is the hero who will symbolically stop all that destroys: time, lies, hatred, etc. A dream, yes, but a dream many have sung about throughout the centuries and Low brings their voice and perfection to this cry. "Just Stand Back" brings another song that reminds us that Low have progressed. It is a straightforward pop song, but it has tons of angst in it. Alan Sparhawk has always stated that punk was an attitude and that Low has always been a punk band in that sense of the word. Perhaps they have moved to the realization that, and I quote Wayne Everett, "pop is the new punk."

"On the Edge Of" has much of that slow tempo Low with much of the new noise mixed in. This is probably more akin to "Sunflower" or "Dinosaur Act" in its feel. It is a solemn tune that spanks of someone on the brink. The song evokes both beauty and pain at the same time. "Cue the Stings" begins with stings and Alan's solo vox. Mimi's angelic voice joins in to croon a melancholy melody. Violin and cello float behind the vocals beautiful, painting a minimalist soundscape.

"Step" begins with violent acoustic guitar and rattled percussion with noisy bass. Alan's voice is fuzzed out and a child accompanies him. Clapping joins in and a more poppy tone comes into the song. The guitars are fuzzed and, once again, a sense of foreboding fills the track. "When I go Deaf" begins with acoustic guitar and has an alt-country feel to it. Again, we see the destruction of hearing here. Alan cogitates on what will happen when he is old and goes deaf. The pressure not to write music and slow down life is a dream at the edge of Alan's mind. Eventually the song explodes and become a lot fuller. Alan's guitar work on this song is tremendous and his tone huge.

"Broadway (So Many People)" has a slow, pop feel to it. As far as I can tell, the song is about the contrast between what happens on Broadway and the perceived understanding of that place as a place of dreams. The final moments of the song are beautiful, with Mimi singing "Aha, aha, ahaaaaa" repeatedly. Her voice is hypnotic and beautiful. "Pissing" has an ominous tone to it. It starts with the throbbing of guitar and some sampled noises. The bass comes and beats out a threatening beat. The lyrics are foreboding and the march to the end of the song, well, frightening. As far as building a mood goes, this song is probably the one that best communicates one on the disc. Eventually, the horror of what is to come flows into loud guitars and feedback.

"Death of a Salesman" really brings the noise down to a quieter level. It is an acoustic song with Alan singing about writing songs and going to college. It actually tells a great story and really gives insight into Alan's past. "Walk Into the Sea" closes out the album. It begins with muffled strumming and Mimi really hammering the drums. Time is the great destroyer in this song. It is loud, but patient and slow. The pop element really comes in the vocal melodies.

For those of you who were nervous about the "change" in Low, no longer be as such. Low's move to make the "pop" come out of them is a brilliant success. If "pop is the new punk" then Low has proven it to be so. In spite of the apparent loudness, Low has kept its signature sound and still brings the quiet, patient music to the table. Long live Low!

one of the few good albums of 2005.......2005-12-22

I first got turned on to 'Low' after hearing "That's How They Sing Amazing Grace" on college radio. I got 'Trust' and thought, "enhhh...every song's too slow and sleepy for me". Then a few months later I heard this hot headbangin' angry melancholy shoegazey song (which kinda reminded me of Radiohead's Hail to the Thief) called "Monkey" and was quite surprised to find out it's from Low! And after hearing the whole 'Great Destroyer' I decided I like their new stuff. I might get their older stuff, but for now I'm happy to keep this album on repeat.

Average customer rating:

Great Destroyer
Low
Manufacturer: P-Vine
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

Indie Rock | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

Dream Pop | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

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Rock | Imports | Stores | Music
ASIN: B0006FGXKA
Release Date: 2005-09-05

Album Description

Japanese pressing of the enduring indie act's 2005 album is scheduled to include one bonus track. P-Vine.

Album Details

Japanese Release Featuirng a Bonus Track

Average customer rating:

The Great Destroyer
Low
Manufacturer: Rough Trade
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

Indie Rock | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

Dream Pop | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

Alternative Rock | Imports | Stores | Music
ASIN: B0006GUFFS

Tracks:

Monkey
California
Everybody's Song
Silver Rider
Just Stand Back
On the Edge Of
Cue the Strings
Step
When I Go Deaf
Broadway (So Many People)
Pissing
Death of a Salesman
Walk Into the Sea

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