ALBUM: Pianos Become The Teeth – The Lack Long After

“We make honest music. Hopefully you find something in it that you enjoy.” This is how Pianos Become The Teeth describe themselves and it’s a pretty accurate portrayal. Listening to the Baltimore quintet’s latest offering, ‘The Lack Long After’, it’s hard not be drawn in. They’re by no means satisfied with half measures, placing equal importance on the quality of their music as well as lyrical content. Having set themselves a pretty tough challenge to beat the success of previous album, ‘Old Pride’, the band are undoubtedly triumphant.

Still as emotionally intense and passionate as before, the new material is more of an nostalgic lament. On ‘Spine’ and ‘Such Confidence’, vocalist Karl Durfey really comes into this own. The result is so raw and visceral, it’s as though he’s literally ripping the words from his throat. The tempo is slowed down on ‘I’ll Get By’ with softer guitars as Durfey poignantly sings of regret, “I just wish I would have had ears for more than what you said/because I still feel the lack long after”.

‘I’ll Be Damned’ is particularly resonant, we feel emotionally drained by the end of the track with its blatant vulnerability. The album is in one word, haunting. It manages to be abrasive yet melodic simultaneously, whilst nodding to a post rock influence which conjures thoughts of Explosions In The Sky. The album is mature, sophisticated and unlike many hardcore bands of the moment, the band succeed in being energetic without needing chaos.

Having already been around for a few years, it’s reassuring to see them finally getting some of the recognition they wholeheartedly deserve.
9/10