Tamer Animals

iTunes Review

The four founding members of Other Lives originally came together in 2004 as an instrumentals-only project called Kunek. While they’ve added vocals since reforming as Other Lives, they still take a cinematic and orchestral approach to their music. In their sonic universe, cello, violin, bassoon, bass clarinet, and French horn play subtle yet significant roles, intricate drumming and percussion guide the songs along confidently, and guitars and piano provide structural support to the melodies. Jesse Tabish’s plaintive voice fits the gorgeous arrangements and delicate dynamics perfectly to create a palpable feeling of melancholy and mystery. Tracks like “As I Lay My Head Down” and “Tamer Animals” come across as mini-epics unto themselves, “Dust Bowl III” vividly conjures up a sense of place (appropriate to the song the band is based in Oklahoma), and the instrumental “Heading East” closes the album on a dreamy note. Rich and graceful from start to finish, Tamer Animals travels a dramatic arc that makes each song a necessary part of the whole. A powerful, slow-burning piece of work that grows richer with each listen.