For those that don’t know, Do Make Say Think are a Toronto born post-rock group started by key members Ohad Benchetrit (guitars) and Charles Spearin (bass & keyboards), both with ranging influences including punk, metal and jazz which can clearly be heard depending on which album/ track you’re listening to.
For those that already know who Do Make Say Think are all I really need say is that their new album, You, You’re a History in Rust is soon to be released. A fact that in itself should get most people excited regardless of what I have to say in this review. What is great about DMST is that, like their musical equals God Speed You! Black Emperor and A Silver Mount Zion, their sound is instantaneously recognizable and "Bound to Be That Way" the first track on their new album, is no exception. Confident and bold "Bound to Be That Way" swings from classical jazz style drum openings to light hearted instrumental post rock with aplomb, while "A With Living" provides a subtle yet resonating tribal drum beat that still matches precisely with the relaxing mood of the piece.
With a quicker cadence, louder sound and stronger character, "The Universe!" is prime DMST material. Full of the staccato beats and lateral changes in instrument dominance, accompanied as ever by that spacey keyboard sound, the hallmark of many great post rock groups, DMST being no exception.
"A Tender History in Rust" meanwhile examines the previously mentioned spacey sound in more detail. Pairing a dreamy keyboard opening with an equally wistful acoustic guitar, creating a passive folk sound that even a crusty bitter gentleman such as myself couldn’t help but find endearing.
It is in the penultimate track, "Executioners Blues" however that You, You’re a History in Rust provides its strongest point. With a healthy eight minutes, Do Make Say Think run the gauntlet of tempo and sound, creating a tumult of different notes and styles all working in unison to create a broad and well developed piece. Erupting with velocity toward a loud and energetic climax that, despite it being an overused formula of the genre, never fails to be energized.
While not a paragon achievement like their 2000 release Goodbye Enemy Airships there is enough content within "You, You’re A History In Rust" to keep your post rock soul contented as, regardless of previous achievements, Do Make Say Think’s latest release is a pleasant and enjoyable experience and one worthy of any music lover’s exploration.
