Sunny Day Real Estate rise again on this record with their latest line-up incarnation taking the shape of a three piece band. Catchy epic song structures are erected with tender care and nurtured with an aural density that displays a symphonic quality. A gigantic step of evolution for the emo genre as a whole, Sunny Day boldly push forward incorporating numerable acoustic tones, some strings and even a dash of piano. Tender and melodic this beautiful album possesses immense depth and shows off a newly invigorated direction for the band as they plunge headfirst into touching emotional melodies that slowly stream out with a lush and decidedly thick aesthetic. Vocally Jeremy's borderline shrill voice pours out lurid harmonies with long winded notes held and drawn out with expert precision. An accomplished frontman, his words feel distant, yet seduce the listener with their undeniable grace and enchanting radiance as his words shimmer like a ray of light reflecting off of a placid body of water. Guitarwise a lot of acoustic tones are incorporated with attention focused on layered tracking, creating a constant exhibition of contrasting stringed harmonics and tuneful strums. Dense and timid, the notes strike very closely in connection with Jeremy's words, a technique which has practically become the bands own trademark. The parts played feel quite comfortable as a multitude of atmospheric patterns and sonic outings shroud the fragile passion produced here with delicate noise, in turn making this a truly mesmerizing venture into the possibilities of the guitars six strings. Bassplaying is modest, utilizing spiraling chord progressions and dulled strums which loop behind the high end, giving support while still retaining their own voice with secure experimentation and a glowing pitch. Slightly more upbeat than the music's other elements they serve as a basic skeleton for which the expressive guitarwork weaves in between. Drums are careful and well versed as they gently nudge the music forward with a restrained vigor and assured ability. By no means limited to just the snare, Some interesting beats are concocted which are aggressive in a humbled passive manner making their best to utilize the warm friendly tuning. Sometimes thunderous and at other times calm and intricate, they enhance the enjoyability of the songs greatly. This album by no means features any screaming or yelling or anguished fundamentals of the heavy or loud acts out there today, it's also not a slow record that drudges on about love or an exorcism of personal demons. Instead this album is quite possibly one of the most emotionally stunning releases ever put out to date. It's uncanny orchestral ambiance and thought provoking instrumental backdrop is so euphonically intense that its hard not to be moved by the undisturbed honesty of it all. Free flowing, hypnotic and skilled, this album stands as a monumental achievement for this band, and as a breathtaking gift to the listener. There's no outright anger or agitated vocals present, no hip hop elements and no overtly depressive vocals at play, rather, this albums intensity is channeled through harmony and song structure, exuding a certain positivity that is lacking in today's music, if anything this is an example of emo transcending into the classical genre. Sunny Day Real Estate may have dissipated for a short period of time, but their luminous music remains intact and signals this album to be a triumphant return that won't necessarily win mainstream success, yet it will undoubtedly make listeners of this gifted band fall in love with them all over again.
(5 / 5)