The Century of Self

iTunes Review

Austin's Trail of Dead tread the line between indie-rock abrasion and mainstream rock accessibility with the rare ability to merge the two without sacrificing their musical soul. "Halcyon Days" trudges with the glorious pop power of Weezer sent through a cement mixer. The guitars create a whirlwind of monolithic power as the vocals coast down a smooth, resolving path while a long, instrumental break gives them time to explore the further reaches of their ambitions. The band uses both punk and progressive rock tendencies to invigorate its sound. Trail of Dead writes songs, but they also make records. And while "Far Pavillions" and "Isis Unveiled" might yield modest folk songs under their mammoth production, the songs' sparkling dramas come alive with each trigger of agitated guitar, each stroke of lonely keyboard and each calibrated chime from the ensemble vocal choir. "Bells of Creation" begins with an ominous countdown that sends the band back to the ‘70s. "Inland Sea" visits Britpop à la the Cure of the mid-‘80s. "Luna Park" presents the band's demure side. No one-trick pony here.