In post-rock lore, the record label Temporary Residence Limited signed post-rock band Explosions in the Sky after only half a listen of their demo. Attached to the demo was a note from the band The American Analog Set that read "This totally fucking destroys." It's not certain that this inspired the name of San Marcos post-rockers This Will Destroy You, but rarely has a band's name been so truthful.
The band plays a melodic, emotional form of post-rock. Explosions does, too, but the San Marcos crew takes a much different approach. They incorporate ambient music into their framework much more than some of the bands they are associated with. "Three Legged Workhorse," the leadoff track from their new self-titled album, shows the influence in full effect. Although guitarist Chris King explained he does not care much for ambient, he cited Austin groundbreakers Stars of the Lid as one of his biggest musical inspirations. He mentioned that the "soundscapes" the Austin band pursues, rather than pure ambient works, "tie into the music a lot, like contemporary composers."
King couldn't have said it better - the textures complement and empower the subdued, melodic guitars. They also allow the music to soar, which is especially noteworthy in a genre quite reliant on power
crescendos.
King said he thinks the new album is a more complete affair compared to Young Mountain, their debut.
"After recording Young Mountain, we had a better idea of what we wanted to craft with the music. That album was more like a demo," he said.
Equally as striking as the music is the album's different cover art. The CD version has the band's name stitched in small gray font across the upper middle. Of course, real music connoisseurs listen to vinyl, and their cover features the band's logo in "Star Wars" font and has a wolf, cougar and eagle all emerging from lightning. King, however, explained the vinyl's cover art is a commentary on the music industry.
"People really don't buy CD's anymore. Doing something a little over the top [on the vinyl] is a response to that," he said.
Although King wanted an "outlandish" product for vinyl collectors to buy, he fully supports file-sharing.
"It's dramatically helped the band," he said.
This Will Destroy You will play at the Mohawk tonight with Lymbyc Systm and Many Birthdays.
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