A Closer Listen
We dare any post-metal-loving listener to resist the power of The Lumberjack Feedback after viewing the video for “Failing to Witness His Mighty Work.” This French quintet is very into its music, and after hearing an album with two drummers, it will be hard to adjust to one drummer again. The video highlights this by showing only one at first, then flashing to the second, to the full quintet and back again. Then the monster riffs arrive, and the energy level flies straight through the roof. A (very) brief acoustic guitar break (from 1:52-1:57) provides dynamic contrast that only heightens the largesse. The same holds true for an electric guitar break followed by a display of exactly what these drummers are doing separately and together, and just how precise they must be to synchronize these composed drum segments.
The album’s theme is fortitude. As such, the music of The Lumberjack Feedback is meant to reflect, and provide, a sense of strength. From the first sludgy riffs of “Kings and Servants,”, it does exactly that. This music pulls no punches, and sounds like battle, blood and conquering. The album is best enjoyed while considering an enemy such as an opposing team, a temptation, a doubt, or a demon within one’s self; although we can also imagine it in a more literal sense as music to adrenalize an army before battle. The title Stronghold seems to reference Psalms 18 and 27, in which the Lord is the stronghold against enemies without and within; this idea is bolstered by the title “Praised the Lord for a Brighter Future,” although of course with instrumental music the final interpretation is up to the listener. The track sounds like triumph, and ends with the curiosity of a recessed volume guitar, perhaps a call to contemplation.
No matter how one regards the music – spiritual, emotional or physical – the effect is the same. Stronghold injects confidence, pumps the listener up, lends energy to a sinking body and/or soul. “But All Remembered the Place” is deep and sludgy until it’s not, recalling Psalm 40: He lifted me … out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock. Or in this case, a post-rock. The drumming is so intense here that it seems it might last forever without flagging; instead, the band chooses a long fade to set up the finale. In nine and a half minutes, the title track wrings every last drop of fluid from the performers while acting as Gatorade to the listeners. At the end, one is ready to go into battle, to raise one’s banner high, to fight the good fight, no matter the cost. (Richard Allen)
Sat May 11 00:01:32 GMT 2024