-=- SHGZ -=-
* Shoegaze * Indie * Post-Rock * Grunge * Dream Pop * Psych-Rock * Ethereal *
ARTIST..: For Against
ALBUM...: Shelf Life
GENRE...: Indie
STYLE...: Indie Rock, Post-Punk
YEAR....: 2018
LABEL...: Saint Marie Records
ENCODER.: FLAC 1.3.1 -8 -V
BITRATE.: 936 kbps avg
QUALITY.: 44.1kHz / 2 channels
SOURCE..: CD
TRACKS..: 10
SIZE....: 256.12 MB
URL..: http://www.facebook.com/For-Against-271880109596/
- TRACKLIST
1 Shadow 4:06
2 Wintersong 4:06
3 Starblind 4:23
4 Lost 3:27
5 Profile 2:59
6 Lilacs 4:19
7 Harbor 3:44
8 Forever 4:54
9 Times Square Go-Go Boy 2:30
10 Seascape 3:31
Total Playtime: 37:59
With a combination of talent and edge, the judicious use of guitar effects,
strident, staccato basslines, and propulsive drumming, For Against have
gained a rabid following in the better-informed underground places as
America's best-kept secret. Such fans will be amazed at the masterwork that
awaits them in Shelf Life. Blasting right off with the absolutely brilliant
"Shadow," the band serves notice that, far from spent, they are a veteran
band still clicking. All the previous hallmarks from their previous works are
in place. Singer/bassist Jeffrey Runnings' heartfelt voice and lyrics are
always a certainty, dating back to such respected LPs as 1986's Echelons,
1987's December, and the early-demos EP In the Marshes released in 1990. Here
on Shelf Life these qualities combine with more of the band's emotionally
charged backing tracks. As ever, For Against works in a maze of contrasts
that blend effortlessly to form a unique and gripping whole. "Shadow" is
typical of the more charging numbers, which feature the band's patented
attack-oriented, post-punk rhythm section. Runnings and drummer Paul
Engelhard (the king of lightning-quick, rapid-fire snare fills) are clearly
one of the best rhythm sections working today. You'll also find such standout
work on the gassed burners "Wintersong," "Harbor," and especially "Forever."
Elsewhere, even more than on 1995's Mason's California Lunch Room and 1993's
Aperture, the music turns moody and reflective. Such burbling songs as
"Starblind," "Lilac," "Lost," and the band's first ever recorded covers, East
River Pipe's "Times Square Go-Go Boy" and Tracey Thorn's "Seascape," are led
by some surprisingly radiant, sometimes even dazzling guitar playing from
Steven "Mave" Hinrichs. He spits out a variety of tones, from shimmering to
steaming to all the places in between. For Against's supple playing is often
subtle, gentle, and evocative, and occasionally even unspeakably, achingly
beautiful.
*
Pioneering darkwave/post-punk band, For Against, have been plying their trade
on-and-off since 1984. Shelf Life was their 5th album and was originally
released in 1997. They take their influences from early 4AD and Factory bands
which was odd for a band from midwest USA at the time. Reissue LP and digipak
CD on Saint Marie.
*
It was surprising-gratifying last decade, when Lincoln, Nebraska stalwarts
For Against finally garnered the cult popularity they'd long deservedùat
least in Europe, where generous, rapturous crowds hailed them as "darkwave"
pioneers. Back home, though, it took this era's shoegaze explosion/revival to
bring them equal underground acclaim, accelerated by Captured Tracks' 2014
Box Set, compiling their two LPs and EP, 1987-1989. It even received a 7.8 in
Pitchfork, suggesting, "If they had gained a tenth of the attention Interpol
attracted, it would have been a wonderful world!"
That richly deserved, delayed recognition is bound to heighten with these
reissues of their three '90s records.
-=- SHGZ -=-
P.S.
** Thanks ***
*** BCC FNT IPC SSR ***
*** For Knowing Where The Music Is At ***
*** Props to CaHeSo, awesome Asian Indie/Shoegaze ***
*** And to FANG/HOUND for supporting all the Indie lovers out there ***
--===--
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* NuHS we miss you! *
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