It's almost ironic that the brothers known as Skinflowers have chosen their particular brand of indie-rock to explore the dysfunctional world that exists at the dawn of the 21st century. For as that world is fragmented and eclectic, so too are the influences which are brought together on the powerful follow-up to last year's Man of Blood EP.
Radiohead wasn't alone in developing the brand of post-alternative rock but their name remains omnipresent when describing artists who bring together elements of techno-culture with the remnants of grunge and more than a pinch of progressive rock. It is that scene which data in a hurry fits into, albeit with more programming and less prog-rock guitar manipulation than OK Computer.
It is the fast-paced nature of modern culture which catches the majority of g-man and rich:t's (the brothers behind skinflowers) attention. This is most explicit on "I don't need more money, I need more time" which poses a question about whether we as Christians are ignoring the needs of those around us, and thereby not following Christ, by simply accepting the pace of culture. The lyrical approach does not always follow a strict narrative, but true to the postmodern society the album forged within offers overlayed concepts and room for interpretation.
Fish sticker in a traffic jam
It's Jesus Christ in a traffic jam
He's keeping his temper ... like a saint
With sandles in a queue
He's looking at me pushing through
Like there's no tomorrow ... no time
The frenetic, layered beats and guitar riffs emphasise the emotion of the song perfectly. As with much of the album, the complicated arrangements may not draw in the casual listener. This is best experienced through headphones and with concentration.
The brothers Skinflower have a lot to say, and seem adept at wrapping complex and interesting musical arrangements around it. Sometimes those arrangements are a little too complex or harsh, but so is today's world. Generally this is an excellent full length realization of the promise shown on Man of Blood and one of the most interesting albums this year has so far seen.
