Weighing in around the seventy minute mark and comprised of complex, dreamy, foreboding and largely instrumental art-rock jams, it’s safe to say that The Poison Arrows’ second album ‘Newfound Resolutions’ is headed straight for the ‘cult’ section. Featuring ex Don Caballero bassist Patrick Morris, Justin Sinkovich (ex Atombombpocketknife) on vocals, keys, guitar and more besides, and Adam Reach on drums, this trio make few concessions to accessibility or commerciality, conducting a series of sonic experiments that’ll no doubt get adventurous math-rock/alt-rock fans foaming at the mouth.
It’s Morris’s distinctive bass style which forms the core of these fourteen compositions, ‘Unveiled In Sequence’ meandering onwards with its curious riffs and minimalistic guitars, while ‘For Lack Of An AK’ follows its extended intro with an intent, almost funky bass riff and some subtle electronic work, and the oddly named ‘Steely Justice’ instigates a key-lead routemarch into the outer realms of modern rock. While all melody is locked down tight at first glance, on repeat listens there are no shortage of hooks to grasp, notably on the NIN meets contemporary R’n’B meets NY art-punk of ‘Popular Look’, all hushed, cryptic vocals and catchy but restrained keyboard. It’s evident that this is the work of three talented, dedicated musicians having fun in their own way (backed up by contributions from an select cast of musically minded acquaintances), and creating a fascinating sophomore record in the process. If you’re willing to invest the time to unlock it, ‘Newfound Resolutions’ will give you hours of satisfied chin scratching.
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