minus the bear: planet of ice

planet of ice is more of the same from the boys. that is not to say it is tired or sub-par. i was just kind of hoping for a revival of the sound from the this is what i know about being gigantic and highly refined pirates era. perhaps i’m just nostalgic for college, but i find the new album sonically very similar to their last album rather than the early stuff. they’ve always had dreamy, atmospheric vibes mixed in with their flawless technical precision, but i think the overall tempo of the last two albums has slowed down. i’d like to hear more walkmen-like drumming and quick staccato guitar instead of dreamy-long wailing. of course, though i may sound like a petulant child, i assure you i already like the album and have been spinning it nonstop since i got it. standout tracks after a couple listens are “ice monster”(thanks themilklounge!) and “throwing shapes”. the former’s chorus is just spectacular and the latter’s theme and pacing recalls “pachuca sunrise” and the best yacht-wine-stars rock of pirates.