Low - Drums and Guns
Reviewed by agloriousruin
To call Duluth, Minnesota indie rock trio Low "eclectic" or "minimalist" would probably be considered a compliment to the group. Supposed pioneers of the much maligned (by the band, at least) "slowcore" genre, with the release of Drums and Guns, their eighth studio album, they've produced a piece of work that lives up to those labels. The first half of the album is a percussion spree, which allows frontman Alan Sparhawk's gentle voice, coupled with drummer/vocalist Mimi Parker's soft harmonies, to stand out in spite of the low volume. The album's second half is a bit heavier instrumentally (relatively speaking), but retains the quiet charm that makes the album so enjoyable. Drums and Guns is a different kind of album for most, but, eclectic or no, it's still quite good. [www.chairkickers.com]