4.4/5
For countless years, music has always been considered an art form, a way of expression. Throughout the years there have always been those who take it to the next level, to make the art form an integral part of their everyday lives and for whatever reason the result is better, heart-felt making the most of what they may do. We Lost The Sea’s The Quietest Place On Earth is a prime example of a way of life, but it also has some serious undertones. Hailing from Sydney, Australia this act has a lot going for them. The band’s sophomore, The Quietest Place On Earth is expansive, reaching far and wide without conforming completely to the post metal tag like other more well-known acts. To sum up the atmosphere of the record, it’s reflective, trapped a struggle tied in so well with the vocals as if to make the listener believe that they’re the tortured soul on the recording. Strife, despair, the will to be free, equal or loved all culminates in this hour long display of emotion. We Lost The Sea hardly ever stick to a post metal sound, dabbling in small doses of shoe-gaze, sludge traditional doom passages and even the inclusion of a female vocalist, which mind you adds a whole other element to the album, The Quietest Place On Earth makes for an in depth and emotionally charged listen.
Aided by the production, The Quietest Place On Earth is a deep listen, rich in emotion contrasting only when it suits the songs. At times the record becomes melancholic (see the start of ‘With Grace’), remaining highly reflective, giving life to the simple melody lines and actually promotes a happily tranquil mood despite the unparalleled negative atmosphere to be found on the rest of the record. Simple chord shapes are done really well aiding the instrumental wailing in the background, lifting the tracks tension levels. This track is a good indication of how the album sounds as a whole. With album’s being released of such a high calibre, it’s easy to understand why the bands are gaining a respectful amount of followers. It’s great that a band like this can bring so many elements to the table. From the straight forward sludge affair, ‘Barkhan Charge’ which relies heavily on the dissonant chord shapes and throaty high emotive vocal lines.
Overall, We Lost The Sea’s 2012 record climbs to the height of the genre. The Quietest Place On Earth is a rich listen, with an integral depth that would usually take multiple listens to understand. This hour long affair is atmospheric and instrumentally top notch. What We Lost The Sea has achieved on their sophomore record is on par and at times will surpass those who sound similar to the band. From start to finish, The Quietest Place On Earth is a ride of despair, aggression and melancholy filled to the brim with emotion. It’s an album both wonderful and devastating in design. Sadly, this review ends on a negative as we pay tribute to We Lost The Sea’s vocalist who passed in the early months of 2013. Chris Torpy, the man behind the microphone who conveyed his passion and despair (even cited by the band as an outlet for his depression that eventually led to his suicide) giving life to the band’s two records. It’s unfortunate that the darker places in people’s minds can create such a contrasting beauty. By figuratively bleeding into the creation of this record, Torpy leaves a legacy behind him, not only for his friends and family but also the fans, as well as those yet to discover this wonderful record.
1. A Quiet Place
2. Barkhan Charge
3. With Grace
4. Forgotten People
5. Nuclear City
6. A Day and Night of Misfortune I- Day
7. A Day and Night of Misfortune II- Night
Robert
Apex Metal Reviews 