Summary:Matt Bayles produced the concept album for the rock band led by Tim Kasher, about two twins, one evil and the other good, who are separated at birth and reunited.
Buy Now
Buy on
Record Label:Saddle Creek Records
Genre(s): Pop/Rock, Alternative/Indie Rock, Alternative Pop/Rock, Indie Rock, Post-Punk
Cursive have delivered a highly stylized album with a vivid conceptual storyline that keeps old fans listening while giving new listeners a chance to experience the progression the band have experienced over the last decade.
This album is right up there with the Ugly Organ and Happy Hollow in terms of music and cohesion. Awesome riffs and melodies, the drums areThis album is right up there with the Ugly Organ and Happy Hollow in terms of music and cohesion. Awesome riffs and melodies, the drums are lively, and it flows from start to finish. I don't understand what's wrong with a concept album-- I'd rather hear a story get told than a collection of songs that try to make some sort of point that I don't care about and probably won't relate to. That said, the story being told is creative and interesting, and fits perfectly with the music. In summary, it's a great Cursive album, and a breath of fresh air after Mama, I'm Swollen.…Expand
As a longtime fan of Cursive, I am more than satisfied with this record. I have noticed some critics have bashed the concept of this record,As a longtime fan of Cursive, I am more than satisfied with this record. I have noticed some critics have bashed the concept of this record, but concepts have never really been what sucks me into this band's records, rather it is the music, style, and hook of it. This record is tight and overcomes some of the setbacks that their previous record, Mama I'm Swollen, and ventures into a more aggressive style that I've not heard from Cursive since Domestica, which I love. Songs that stand out for me are "Warmer, Warmer", "Sun and Moon", "Gemini", and the last minute or two of "Eulogy for No Name" rock my brain. But "Twin Dragon/Hello Skeleton" stands out as the best Cursive tune I've heard since "The Martyr". This song has such a cool groove to it, a great beat, interesting guitars, quirky keyboard parts, and awesome vocal hooks. The second I heard it, I was sold on this record. The mixing of the record is also very well done. Most records these days are over produced and have lost any sense of dynamic. Having twelve separate guitar tracks blasting the same riff is not what I call interesting. Whereas with this record, more often than not you hear one or two tracks playing, with an extra one or two guitars added in the choruses, giving it the stomp box effect. The drums are superbly mixed with the bass and Tim Kasher's vocals are not over powering to the detriment of the rest of the record, making I am Gemini a truly enjoyable listen.
In the end, this is a welcome addition to Cursive's repertoire. I look forward to hearing these songs live.…Expand
This is a very solid release by a very intelligent band. While the album lacks enough hooks to give it any decent radio play, it rewardsThis is a very solid release by a very intelligent band. While the album lacks enough hooks to give it any decent radio play, it rewards multiple listens and those who commit to the concept of the album (especially fans of strong verses and witty lyrics). Lots of one-liners that can get crammed in your brain ("Kill the demon, kill the doppelganger!"). I feel like this album is a suspense novel over slashing guitars. High points are songs like "Gemini," "Warmer, Warmer," "The Cat and Mouse," and the albums epic closer, "Eulogy for No Name."…Expand