Dead Reckoning

iTunes Review

Song titles such as “I Broke the Vein,” “Rotten to the Core,” and “Cradle On Fire” strongly hint at the dark gothic-folk captured on Dead Reckoning. The captivating lyrics throughout refer to rampant sin and corruption, destruction by fire and water, and clashes between good and evil, sung in the spooky, nasally warble of lead singer Ryan Sollee. Performing with the intensity of an exorcism, the band plays as if doom can be kept at bay so long as they keep wailing on their instruments on the raucous “We All Know the Way,” “Black Elevator,” and “Lullaby,” which won’t be lulling anyone to sleep. There’s also a turn-of-the-20th-century feel on “All Away,” the foreboding shanty-like “It Came from the Sea,” and the nearly a cappella “Blood for You” with its moaning vocals and floorboard-pounding percussion. Musically, the album is dominated by a variety of acoustic string instruments and kick drums backed by dramatic organ and limited use of electric guitar and bass. Urgent and stark, the Builders and the Butchers’ fourth album maintains the intensity for the duration of Dead Reckoning.