Pros: Rainer Maria continues to evolve even at the risk of abandoning their so-called emo roots.
Cons: Some may not appreciate the more mainstream sound of Rainer Maria without Kyle's vocals.
The Bottom Line: A solid indie album from start to finish. If you've never heard of Rainer Maria, give this album a try. You may find it's your favorite album of 2006.
brandle's Full Review: Catastrophe Keeps Us Together * by Rainer Maria
The trio from Madison, WI continues to evolve and create great music. It's amazing that this album hasn't had more airplay in my opinion. In fact, this album might be the most user friendly release yet. That's not a bad thing in my opinion. I say that in reference to the fact that the edges seem to have somehow been rounded out even more on the new album. As the band ages their sound continues to be refined like a fine wine.
As heard in their last album the lyrics have continued to evolve from the boy/girl duo of Caithlin De Marrais and Kyle Fischer to the solo voice of Caithlin. While Kyle continues to provide backing vocals while live on stage, the new album is all Caithlin when it comes to vocals. Kyle continues to focus on his energetic guitar play. Something you'll only truly understand when you seem him play live. The bass is more refined as well along, with Caithlin's beautiful voice behind that axe. While I loved the sound of past albums, Caithlin truly has evolved into her place as lead behind the microphone. Even Williams drumming seems to be softer and more streamlined into the rest of the band.
Perhaps this is all due to new producers and a new label. Perhaps it's just due to the fact that the band has been making music for 10 years, and as their fans age, so does their sound.
The album includes:
Catastrophe
Life of Leisure
Burn
Bottle
Terrified
Cities Above (instrumental)
Already Lost
Clear and True
I'll make you Mine
Southpaw
I'll Keep it With Mine
Personally it's hard for me to pick a favorite from the album. The album is full of great tracks. It ranges from the hard and edgy tunes like Catastrophe, Life Of Leisure, and Make You Mine to the soft melodic tunes such as Burn and Already Lost. Throw in the catchy indie pop songs such as Bottle and Clear and True, and you have a well rounded album choc full of goodness. Cities Above is mostly an instrumental filler in the center of the album while I'll Keep it With Mine is a Bob Dylan Cover song, which closes with another mainly instrumental bonus track.
All around it's a great album worth putting into your collection. You'll find it making it's way into your most played list in no time.
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