Spencer Krug is the hardest working man in Canadian indie rock. Between his work with Wolf Parade, Frog Eyes, Swan Lake, and Fifths of Seven, this man never seems to allow himself any downtime. His latest effort comes in the form of Sunset Rubdown and the lofty Dragonslayer. Sunset Rubdown has always been Krug's more experimental project. On this, their fourth album, Krug and his Rubdown cohorts have crafted the epic album they have been attempting to make for the past five years. While still maintaining an experimental approach, this release (although composed of only eight tracks) is a landmark release for not only Sunset Rubdown but for Krug's catalogue. Each track is crafted with the idea that it will be epic. For example, the opening "Silver Moons" is composed of segments (as is every track found here) that build upon one another leading up to a beautiful bridge and a definite closing coda. And this is the case with each track on here. And with only two of the songs less than five minutes long ("Dragon's Lair" exceeds the ten minute barrier) Sunset Rubdown is able to craft songs with definite stages. Krug's trademark (and instantly recognizable) tremolo voice, Sonic Youth-esque guitar feedback solos, harmonizing vocals, excellent lyrics, and gorgeous bridges are but a few of the tricks that these tracks incorporate ("Nightingale/December Song" even has an afro-beat feel) to craft this classic album. For those who were putoff by Sunset Rubdown's previous releases and their overtly experimental feel will be pleasantly surprised with this effort that pulls together all that makes Spencer Krug a special musician and realize that they are listening to something truly fresh, impressive, and, hands down, monumental.
4.8/5.0
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