9
This, the follow up to last years "The construction of amp-train", shows off an improved band with way more interesting song structures and intricate songwriting. Not to say that the previous album was disappointing, it was just too obvious that these Danes had more to show off. In a genre like post-rock, wherein the band at occasions hover, that often tends to go for the more rectifying way to approach its listeners, Lis er Stille always has an ace up the sleeves. Surprising turns, beautiful strings and a singer that, on this album, steps up a notch, are all ingredients that makes this record one of the more interesting I've heard this year. The fact that the piano plays a central part in their soundscape gives it an extra dimension and the similarities to Mogwai are not at all misguided. It is indeed hard to compete with those Scotsmen, but Lis er Stille can definitely consider themselves worthy opponents. A tune like "Lorelei" would make anyone in the genre jealous.
- Jonas Appelqvist
Sometimes you admire an album more than you actually enjoy listening to it. I guess that was the case for me with Denmark's Lis er Stille, a four-piece that favors the "surging rush of sound" approach. There are only four tracks here, all roughly about ten minutes in length, and if you've heard one, you've pretty much heard the album. They really like their pounding drums, their whirling keyboard/guitar blend, and their slightly retro organ riding atop the vigorous waves of sound. The songs generally begin with a quiet intro, with the vocalist sounding not unlike Ola from The White Birch (and at times he reminded me of Grandaddy, as did one of the keyboard sequences on track 2). Then things build in intensity, with simple guitar chords repeated insistently, possibly shifting into a different tempo or mood, then getting intense again. Track 4 holds the most interest, as there are compelling shifts from minor key to major key and a better dynamic balance overall. On a really great stereo, I imagine that this album would sound pretty kickass, especially if you just played it for a few minutes. But as an overall listening experience, it just didn't maintain my interest over several plays, although I would hardly count the band out. With the singer coming more to the fore and some added diversity in the arrangements, a future Lis er Stille album could be very promising indeed.
- Kevin Renick