¡Forward, Russia!
Life Processes (Mute)
By A. Rice
Published: August 7th, 2008 | 9:00am
¡Forward, Russia! wastes no time on "Welcome To the Moment (The Rest Of Your Life)" — the kickoff to their second album, Life Processes, is sure to give you a jolt. In tandem with electro-shock rock and explosive energy, the "moment" is a well-received post-punk reception.
Breakdowns throughout the album from this four-piece powerhouse are reminiscent of early Modest Mouse, while the vocals of keyboardist Tom Woodhouse remind you of that New Wave wail (think Sam Endicott of the Bravery); Life Processes is the story of how that process was fostered, and the howl came to be. Fully equipped with a bangin’ female drummer (Katie Nicholls), the atmosphere is filled with quick and meticulous drumming, and hi-hats are hit dead-on with precision and power.
¡Forward, Russia! slows it down with Beatles-y piano and soft ballad at the record’s climax. “The process of knowing just what you are missing,” Woodhouse reflects during "Fosbury In Discontent," on how life is an ocean of mystery. The grand finale, “Spanish Triangles,” is an epic journey well worth the wait. We are invited to turn our ships around (over and over again) as a symbolic look at life’s methodical way of starting over and creating new beginnings.
Like a game of Russian roulette, ¡Forward, Russia! is fearless when it comes to taking chances. Much like Radiohead’s OK Computer, it may take multiple listening sessions before the concept is truly recognized by the masses. Life Processes takes us on life’s journey of ups and downs; of the lessons learned. “Some things are meant to be broken,” gripes Woodhouse in the brooding track, "Some Buildings." Myriads of instrumental layers over spiritual metaphors reveal that, with ¡Forward, Russia!, it’s all a part of the process.
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¡Forward, Russia!'s official site
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