Retribution Gospel Choir

January 4, 2010

I love the beginning of a new year because it’s so endless with possibilities. I’ve spent the day absorbing as many new albums as I can and I can already tell this is going to be a great year for music. The album I’ve been most struck by so far is by Retribution Gospel Choir and is simply titled 2. The band is fronted by Alan Sparhawk of Low, a band which I highly respect but could only call myself a casual fan of at best. Suffice to say, 2 is completely different from what I expected to hear out of of the slowcore-founding artist. I was blown away by the vast, sweeping guitar rock found on this album. I know from seeing Low last year at Pygmalion Festival that Alan is a formidable guitar player, but I wouldn’t expect to hear the face-melting guitar work that is seen here. The dude can shred.

The album opens with “Hide It Away” which immediately lets you know the type of epic, in-your-face rocking out you’re in for, with a driving guitar riff and furious drumming. Alan shows he’s just as well-suited as a rock frontman vocally as well, his sublime voice soars over the eruptive instrumentation. The music is incredibly dynamic, utilizing the post-rock methodology of loud/soft/loud (except in this case it’s more like loud/louder/slightly softer/way louder). The climax is absolutely explosive, ending with a massive guitar solo and a passionate choral reprise, cementing the song as perhaps the first great rock anthem of 2010. It seems fitting that this album would come amidst such harsh, biting cold weather as the album seems best served with the ragged, snowy landscapes of this tumultuous climate (also see: the album cover). I definitely give this my full recommendation.

MP3 Hide It Away
MP3 Poor Man’s Daughter

Retribution Gospel Choir: 2 is being released on Sub Pop. Pre-order it here.

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Got any recommendations for new music in 2010? Let me know in the comments.

Posted by Taylor in Artist Spotlight