Photo credit: Joe Singh (snaprockandpop)
Composer/producer Paul Russell (Axes/Tough Glove) returns with ‘Thank You’, the fourth album to be released by his Human Pyramids project. Featuring members of Axes, Suicide Bid and Modern Studies, the album was recorded all over the world and mastered by Alan Douches (Sufjan Stevens/Animal Collective).
Gentle feedback and breezy, chiming percussion combine in the early moments of album opener ‘Shut Down’. There are elements of Efterklang’s optimistic chamber pop throughout before a big blast of quiet-loud and stop-start orchestral strings finish the song. This song segues perfectly into ‘Full Bloom’, a cinematic piece that blends electric riffs with fantastical Disney vibes.
‘Scattering Sunlight’ has a handclap-style drum effect backing up the post-rock orchestra while the 2 minutes and 21 seconds of ’31st March’ has a soothing lullaby tenderness that you can’t help but fall for. ‘Flashpoint’ is more frantic, frenetic and fuzzy while ‘Moving Home’ reminded us of ‘The Magic Position’-era Patrick Wolf before evolving into guitar-led power pop.
‘Patchwork’ has a carnival-esque edge and baroque tendencies with a swirling intro you can’t forget, while the penultimate ‘The Great Silence’ has the same kind of powerful, all-encompassing sound that sereves Manchester Orchestra so well. ‘Static’ is a fitting finale with its swaying, slower tones and a blast of static energy at its climax.
‘Thank You’ to Human Pyramids for once again bringing a blast of upbeat and joyous sound into our lives. It will be near-impossible to get through this record without breaking into the biggest smile.
