alaska!
Rescue Through Tomahawk (Altitude Records)
By Jim Keller
Published: June 6th, 2005 | 12:24pm
When Imaad Wasif’s (lowercase) band disbanded in 2000, he teamed-up with bassist/vocalist Russ Pollard (ex-Sebadoh), together the duo released alaska!’s debut album, emotions on Flying Nun Records. After the inception of drummer, Lesley Ishino (Red Aunts), alaska! was complete. Now with its second album, Rescue Through Tomahawk, the trio invite us into their dark soundscapes dotted with pop explosions.
Rescue Through Tomahawk is the silver lining of alaska!’s harrowing near-death experience after its van flipped over in a 2004 snowstorm. Often haunting and always evocative, alaska! exhibit a sense of urgency as Wasif pours his heart out. “Krystal Korpse” recalls Sonic Youth. Led by Wasif’s shrill guitar, he allows us to accompany him while he walks head-on into the future. Ultimately, the album is the story of returning to love after facing the edge of life, as songs like “Surrender” and “Through the Years” deal with starting over.
alaska! boldly maintain that “You can only go forward into a new unknown.” This mantra serves as the basis for Rescue Through Tomahawk as it becomes a war cry effort for life.
Issue #25
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