Author and Punisher: Women and Children

I've written about Author and Punisher before and am happy to do so again, mostly because it gives me a chance to reflect on whether or not my earlier impression was right or wrong. Before I weigh in on the new album, though, I'd like to offer up a few preliminary observations.

First, I am completely convinced that Tristan Shone is a highly talented and creative individual who is certainly bringing forward a unique and fascinating blend of music and technology. I described his instruments a little more when I reviewed Ursus Americanus and won't do so again here. Interested readers should definitely do an internet search and find some images. If nothing else, they'll be fascinated by what Shone has put together.

Second, I mentioned last time that Shone is most likely an incredible spectacle in a live setting. I still believe that. I doubt that his albums capture the effect he creates before an audience. Further, I suspect that being surrounded by appreciative fans would also help make the music more interesting.

Finally, I've noticed that Author and Punisher seems to be getting more and more positive attention. Whatever Shone is up to, he is certainly developing plenty of energy and excitement around him. Maybe, if he keeps things up, he'll make an even bigger splash and change the way we all think about his brand of techno and doom. As for the album, I found it more interesting than Ursus Americanus but I'm not quite ready to shed my belief that this music just isn't for me. It's designed for a different audience and will likely find listeners eager for more of sound in this vein. Maybe I'm more acclimated to the sound than I was before, but the music here did seem more accessible, even melodic in some places. I was struck by the rhythms on this album and the way that some of the tracks ("Pain Myself" mostly) employed some more conventional-sounding musical qualities. I also liked the way Shone used lyrics in certain places ("Melee," for example, and the aforementioned "Pain Myself").

I didn't love it, but I think fans of this project will. I also think that this album is a good place to get acquainted with this up-and-coming artist.

Track Listing:
1. Women and Children
2. In Remorse
3. Melee
4. Tame as a Lion
5. Fearce
6. Miles from Home
7. Pain Myself

Added: September 28th 2013
Reviewer: Carl Sederholm
Score:
Related Link: Band Website
Hits: 1744
Language: english

[ Printer Friendly Page ]
[ Send to a Friend ]