Drawing a line between post-punk originators such as Joy Division and March Violets and those who picked up the torch in their wake, the likes of Interpol and Editors, The Giant Low are deft hands at blending darkness and drama through their music. “We Fall,” their new single, has plenty of both.
It seems to stride confidently along in a swirl of cold wall chill and Eastern European austerity, which was always a vibe that seemed to bring a lot to this end of the post-punk spectrum. So, despite the passage of time and The Giant Low’s geographical location far from those great grey cities of the past, they are following fine alternative sonic traditions.
Razor wire guitar lines loop and linger around more digital soundscapes, downward chord progressions, and depth charge bass lines create propulsion and pathos, and the vocals deliver reflective yet world-weary observations. It’s a really good song.
But for me, it is the song’s travelling companion, what we once, in more innocent times would have called the b-side, “Star’s Don’t Shine,” which is the standout track of the two. Less militant and more melodic, it is anthemic in a more accessible way, the friendlier side of the sonic coin.
As a package, these two songs are perfect; whether you are looking for something dark and doom-laden or shimmering and intricate, it’s all here.
