Maybe it really did become too much at some point. Or is “It’s Too Much,” from A Place To Bury Strangers‘ new album, actually a hidden message? Could it be signaling that the endless noise and technical tinkering have finally run their course?
Synthesizer (Dedstrange), the Brooklyn band’s seventh LP, feels surprisingly airy in many places. A Place To Bury Strangers, led by Oliver Ackermann, is known for pushing effects pedals to their limits and producing an ear-splitting sound. But not so much anymore—or at least not always.
Perhaps it’s the influence of John and Sandra Fedowitz, who have become full-fledged band members. Could they be responsible for the new pop breeze? Often, the Post-Punk aesthetic, usually just a backdrop, shines through and even takes the lead. On You Got Me, we even get a pleasant taste of New Wave.
Of course, there are still the noisy, effects-laden tracks, but they alternate with more stripped-back arrangements. This results in an inconsistent yet refreshing album. Even those who aren’t fans of the band should give this one another chance.
A Place To Bury Strangers – Synthesizer: A new openness. – RIFL