Sunset Rubdown: Dragonslayer

Sunset Rubdown have so far solidified their presence within the musical world without too much exertion.

All three of the previous records were evidence of the band's capability and intent and each held some truly fantastic examples of how talented the collective truly are. This album, Dragonslayer is no different and though there are moments of unbalanced uncertainty dotted throughout just as before, taken as a whole, the results are  tremendous. 

Main member Spencer Krug has never sounded more proud of his musical venture and every discordant melody effused from his mouth strengthens that very assertion. Psychedelia leaks in through the seams, filling out the under-belly of the record and becoming a hidden building block that works as the primary base for the band to construct upon. 

Silver Moons tumbles along melancholically with a Krug's unique vocals jutting in and out of view over the top; "I believe in growing old with grace, i believe she only loved my face, i believe i acted like a child, making faces at acquired tastes, and now silver moons belong to you". His lyrical prowess and distinctive style have only improved with time and it's great to witness a musician slowly morph into one of the more impressive performers around.

There's a new sense of concentrated rhythm in the music and though they're still fond of the chaotic guitar chords and snare-drum, the music itself seems tighter and less creased than ever before. Idiot Heart pounds desperately along with backing keys, layered vocals and a whole heap of builds and breaks. Sitting at around six minutes, the song entertains from its curtain call to its final bow and shows an otherworldly confidence that was only hinted at before. 

There's still a fragile innocence and sense of uncertainly tucked away within the album's many layers but instead of utilising them to the maximum, they've let their more creative, more distinctive side out to stretch its legs and it's an absolute pleasure to observe and absorb.

Black Swan is a fantastic example of the band's technique and artistry with a restrained verse rhythm that begs to be released and a balls-to-the-wall chorus that freaks out as much as it trips out. It's a crazy multicoloured slice of rock intensity that only Sunset Rubdown could pull off. Midway through the seven minute giant, the guitar is given free reign and it wreaks havoc on the ears, tearing a hole in in the air and cutting straight through to your eardrums. It's both rewarding and jarringly loud so it's down to your own personal tastes as to how you take it.

Dragons Lair closes the record in a ten and a half minute spectacle of everything Sunset Rubdown excel at. From its tumbling first minutes to its gentle middle and finally to its jovially epic ending, the song is nothing short of a mini-saga told with ample expertise in musical timing, craftsmanship and grace. 

Dragonslayer is nothing short of fantastic and though It's messier and more unhinged than we were expecting, that only eventually serves to further immerse the listener into the twisted beauty which Sunset Rubdown have created. It may not be perfect but it's undoubtedly a work of grandiose art that surprises as much as it excites.