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Des Ark - Loose Lips Sink... |
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ALBUM REVIEWSPick of the Chick: Our Favorite Releases, 1999-Present |
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 DES ARK – Durham, North Carolina's Des Ark have been peppering the local music scene in recent years with some much-needed spice. The band, featuring guitarist/vocalist Aimee Argote and drummer Timothy Herzog, has made a welcomed habit of serving the local music crowd with driving songs that are often experimental in structure but also emotionally engaging. And unlike so many bands that are unable to capture their live energy on record, Des Ark buck the trend with their debut release Loose Lips Sink Ships. Musically, Loose Lips Sink Ships is edgy and manic—within a given song, the tempos, melodies, and volumes frequently shift like a Rolaids tablet surfing an acid-filled stomach. The result is a collection of songs that often diverge from traditional song structures and sound more akin to the experimental explorations of bands like King Crimson than to an indie-rock nubile. However, unlike some of the prog rockers of old who made an art out of noodling for hours on end within the course of a single song, Des Ark keep their musical explorations concise and interesting. Most of these songs clock in at under 4:20. Argote's expressive vocals—reflective at times, pleading at times, and even raging at times—add an emotional layer to the record that melds with her frenetic guitar work and Herzog's pounding rhythms. Lyrically, the album explores some rather painful subjects. Relationship woes litter the album, but some political musings also appear to creep in on songs like "Some Are Love" and "Send Jolley to Raleigh." The lyrics are rather cryptic at times, but the sheer emotional sound of this record makes you want to keep tearing away at the lyrical onion to get to the source of the pain. Thankfully, the deciphering task is aided by a lyric sheet. PIGEONHOLE: Emotionally-charged prog rock for the MTV generation (or King Crimson meets PJ Harvey, if you like)
Andrew Helminger |
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