Red Sparowes: At the Soundless Dawn

Band: Red Sparowes
Album: At the Soundless Dawn
Year: 2005

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

One of the best post-rock albums I’ve heard in a long time. I never thought that slide guitar would find its place in post-rock but the Red Sparowes have proved that it not only has a spot… It can take center stage and still hold its own. If the opening track (Alone and Unaware, The Landscape Was Transformed In Front of Our Eyes) doesn’t goosebumps racing up your spine than you should probably consult your physician because you may be paralyzed.

In case you were wondering… The badassery doesn’t end with the first track. Track 2 (Buildings Began to Stretch Wide Across the Sky, And The Air Filled With A Reddish Glow) starts off with a funky bass line that will have you tapping your feet whether you want to or not. There’s something about the broken continunuity of the rhythm that is intoxicating.

I’ll admit that I’m biased. I like this album because the bass lines are solid and complex. They are fun to listen to and play along with. The entire album just radiates with energy that makes me feel as if I could destroy concrete buildings with my fists. Ah, the sheer righteousness of soundwaves empowering my consciousness! Mmmmmmmmmm. I can feel the electrons coursing through my body this very second.

I found the following Red Sparowes clips on Youtube and they are pretty amazing. Check them out and then go out and buy this album. It might be difficult to find if you’re looking at Best Buy or another large retailer. However, I was able to find it at Village Green Records (VGR myspace) in Muncie.