Is that the best band name you’ve ever heard? I don’t know, but it’s definitely up there. In Each Hand A Cutlass are a curveball: both their

9 years ago

InEachHandACutlass

Is that the best band name you’ve ever heard? I don’t know, but it’s definitely up there. In Each Hand A Cutlass are a curveball: both their band name and album name, The Kraken, leave you expecting pirate themed power metal. Why? Isn’t it obvious? However, what you end up hearing when you hit play is…post rock. And not your usual, dreamier-than-thou post rock either: this stuff has groove, dynamics and a mix that emphasizes the kick drum and bass. In short, this is the kind of post rock that will have you biting your lips and swaying in your chair, moving something deep inside your core. Just go, go, go below the jump to start the groove train. Choo choo!

I really had no choice but to choose this track: those retro-waves synths at the beginning are irresistible, not to mention the guitar line which takes over after them. But the fun doesn’t really start before the drums and bass kick in: the cymbal work here is out of this world, creating little nooks and crannies within the track’s rhythm to bring out that smile that I know you’re trying to hide behind your kvlt facepaint.

On top of all this beauty, comes an infectious clap track which is the guiltiest of pleasures. The synths also make a triumphant return, lending the whole thing perfect embellishment. Nor is this a one off: this entire album is filled with ear-worms, straddling the line between groovy, happy post rock a la And So I Watch You From Afar and the more prog rock influenced The Samuel Jackson Five. It even has a three part concept track later on, appropriately called “The Kraken”. Did I mention these guys are from Singapore? And that album cover art! Good god, I love post rock.

-EK

Eden Kupermintz

Published 9 years ago