
The Great Destroyer
Low
Rough Trade
2004
A lot of long time Low fans have been complaining because this album is not as quiet as they are used to. I personally can't see what they are whinging about. This is as good as Low have ever been - possibly the best.
The Great Destroyer moves in the familiar down, melancholic terratory as anything gone before, only now they turn the volume up slightly, giving vent to some of that emotion through sound texturing and low-fi noisescapes. The odd electronic sound, in Pissing, for example, allows a greater depth of musical exploration, a journey through some new lands, an adventure of sadness and heartbreak.
Low have always been masterful at this. Nothing has changed here. Maybe there is anger. Maybe there is frustration there too.
The usual twin male/female vocals is still here, a union that shares and reflects the emotive sounds and energy that is the core of Low.
Stop complaining.
Review - Kenny Mooney