…And So I Watch You From Afar brings us another solid release of the math rock and experimental music that their label Sargent House is known for. They have a very exuberant, uplifting approach to their music that is similar to Fang Island or a more instrumental version of Givers. The songs here are mostly instrumental and there aren’t really any lyrics, but rather chants that go along with the instruments. Many of the tracks flow seamlessly into the next. The highlight of the album is “The Stay Golden” suite of songs in the middle of the album, starting off with “The Stay Golden Pt. I” which is the best candidate on this album for a radio single, with its unique rhythm, distorted synth arpeggios, and catchy chorus of “we know, we know, that that’s not the way, no”, which then segues into “Rats on a Rock” which features a steel drum breakdown in the middle of the song before going into the only real lyrics on the album, and then the suite ends with “Trails…” which is a quieter, orchestral track.
Recommended: 5, 6, 11, 8, 9, 2, 3, 4
FCC Clean
RIYL: Fang Island, Givers, Battles
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