Album Review: O'Brother - The Death of Day

Atlanta, Georgia's O'Brother are signed to local exports, Manchester Orchestra's Favourite Gentlemen Recordings. It's a good indication that if you are a fan of that band you are likely to enjoy O'Brother. This 5 track mini-album shows a band that are capable of writing layered and powerful songs; at times they can fierce, or they can beautiful and soft.

Opener 'Providence' shows their louder side with their brand of distorted, bass driven indie-rock that smoothly goes into a calm string section, that takes you back as it is somewhat unexpected.

'The Great Release' is more of the pleasant, soft indie rock the band do so well with Tanner Merrit's mumbled yet emotional charged vocals, creating an eerie, captivating sound. 'Ascension' sees the band stepping into post-rock territory, with soft guitars and drums leading up to Merrit's vocals erupt and pours out his heart. At over 7 minutes long, the track goes back and forth between loud and quiet, something that might not be in everyone's favour but it shows the band impressive performance and complexion.

Next is 'Division of Man', a steady paced slice of indie rock that concludes in a strong wall of sound that where Merrit's lyrics sound troubled and in despair. 'Oh, Charitable Thief' closes the album, a 9 minute piece that contains an eerie, slow build up with guitar notes fading in and out that lead up to a brass, near-deafening conclusion.

O'Brother's mix of emotionally charged indie post-rock is not necessary different, but still impressive. As the band's mature lyrical outlook and the record's complex and layered production make 'The Death of Day' an enjoyable listen from a band that have a good chance of receiving bigger praise down the line.

4/5

'The Death of Day' by O'Brother is available now on Favourite Gentlemen Records.

O'Brother on MySpace

'Division of Man' by O'Brother will appear on the Alter The Press! Autumn/Winter 2009 Compilation. Available from Monday August 10th.

Sean Reid