Cursive, the Omaha band responsible for one of the best “alternative” albums of all time, The Ugly Organ, has a new album and while it’s not even close to the brilliance of The Ugly Organ, it is a relatively good album. Since The Ugly Organ, Cursive has been shifting back towards a more straight forward, guitar driven sound and incorporating horns and string less and less. This album continues that trend and even sees the band take a slightly softer, perhaps even more personal approach to the songs. Mama, I’m Swollen starts off with a very strong energy that fades as the album draws to a close. The first handful of songs balance slower verses with more manic and bombastic choruses. While the later songs don’t necessarily slow down the tempo or lower the decibel level, they just lose a bit of spark. You ultimately find yourself zoning out through the second half of the album. That is until you reach the last song, “What Have I Done?” “What Have I Done” and the first single, “From the Hips,” are hands down, the best songs on the album and if you are just getting into the band, or considering checking them out, these songs are the perfect place to start. Each is a wonderful representation of Cursive at its best – the quiet introspective voice of lead singer Tim Kasher building to noisy and chaotic climax. |
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