Word: songfulness
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...orchestra boxes on the right and left sides of the stage contain a single bongo drummer in each, thus engaging the space beyond the main stage with the work’s pounding African heartbeat. The orchestra is best appreciated on intensely percussive numbers like the sinister song “Be Prepared,” and in brief, yet beautiful interludes which usually accompany transitional movement scenes...
Shearwater’s romanticism is perfectly reflected in the opening thirty seconds of the album. Before even a note is played, a profound tribal song, reminiscent of a prayer, greets the listener. This prologue segues into the first track, “Meridian,” which continues to be a testament to the group’s talent. Shearwater expertly create a rich texture through guitar and multiple percussive instruments, including bells, while Meiberg lyrically juxtaposes the peaceful ocean with violent warfare. Cymbal rushes wash powerfully over the listener, simultaneously invoking the sound of ocean waves and exploding...
...aura that is reminiscent of “Meridian,” which primarily derives from Meiberg’s unchanging singing style and the repetitive nature of the underlying music. Not only is the lack of variety monotonous, it also detracts from the merits of each individual song, as each seems incapable of saying anything original...
Accompanying Meiberg’s affected voice are his equally affected lyrics. A particularly insufferable track is “Corridors,” which depicts a man being tortured by the man-made world. At the climax of the song, Meiberg screams out, “Chain him to the burning carousel / Till the horses tire / Blast away the bearings of his life / Till his eyes are wild / Till his eyes are white.” This violent imagery is the epitome of how appalling Meiberg’s hatred for the man-made can be. Yet his overbearing...
...programming juxtapose guitars, drums, a banjo, a cello, and synthesizers, among other noisemakers. “Apple for a Brain” is composed particularly with provocation in mind, its bouncing beats and chirping drums suddenly giving away after two minutes into what seems like a completely different song. This is far from an isolated example of the group disregarding musical conventions—just one of the reasons why “Dear God” is far from accessible...