HEALTH Refines Noise Rock Conventions on Get Color
Get Color maintains frantic pace of previous releases while offering a more concise sound.
Health
Get Color
Released on Sep 08, 2009
When it comes to noise rock, HEALTH has got it down to a science — literally. Nearly every single track has the potential to veer into “hot mess” territory, but because of precise rhythms and trance-inducing vocals, the tracks are reined in. The level of control that they demonstrate on this album is a great example for bands who want to access this sound—it’s not just about being loud and aggressive. It’s about producing well-rounded noise.
Much of the attention geared
toward this album is the result of a crazy giveaway that the band thought
up, involving the chance to win locks of band members’ hair and the
chance to prank call an indie musician with HEALTH if you find a colored
ticket in your copy of the album. That’s fantastic, but some of the
tracks on this album far outshine those possible prizes.
“Death +” is one of those tracks. Many of their tracks sound like they should be playing over the PA system in a robot factory, but this one is particularly hypnotic in its industrial sound. The drumbeats that help to drive the track come across as almost organic when compared to the more manufactured sounds that punctuate the track.
I wish I had a more eloquent
way to say this, but “We Are Water” is freaking awesome. First of
all, it makes me want to take speed. Why? Because I’m pretty sure
that’s the only way I’d be able to play this drum part. To me, that’s
always the sign of an entertaining track. Also, the first few seconds
of the track sound like an epiphany. If anything, I hope that it’s
an epiphany for the band to always make songs that have this level of
interest and energy. The juxtaposition of the slower vocals and manic
beat makes for an interesting contradiction in sound.
However, I was a little disappointed to discover the same thing I discovered in the case of Crystal Castles (which sounds like a great title for a Nancy Drew book…): a lot of times, precise noise can get sort of boring. HEALTH certainly isn’t immune to this criticism. While “In Violet” is decent enough, it goes on for far too long—nearly seven minutes. The band’s strongest tracks are all under four minutes, if only because it’s difficult for many songs to maintain interest past that point, much less songs composed primarily of noise. Perhaps they should be applauded for trying to extend their energy over the course of a longer song, but since it’s the closing track, I’m thinking they should have chosen a better note to go out on.
High Point
The taut combination of lethargic vocals/distorted lyrics and frenzied tempos. For most of the album, they keep their sound in check with a level of control that enhances the tracks.
Low Point
…when they don’t keep their sound in check, like on “In Violet.” So far, lengthier songs are not their strong suits.
Posted by Alyssa Vincent on Sep 08, 2009 @ 6:30 am
