1LP Edition Release Date: 17/2/2015 Label: Dead Oceans
Description
That's the most intense fear and feeling—when you go to a show and you're actually scared," says A Place To Bury Strangers frontman Oliver Ackermann, a co-founder of the soon-to-be-shuttered Death By Audio DIY space that's hosted its fair share of frantic, life-affirming shows.
"Or you can palpably feel the danger in the music," adds bassist Dion Lunadon, "It's a gutter kinda vibe; everything about it is icky and evil and dangerous."
The same could be said the band’s fourth album, 'Transfixiation'. Rather than fixate on the minute details like they may have done in the past, the group, rounded out by drummer Robi Gonzalez, trust their instincts and try to keep things as pure as possible. Music is much more exhilarating when it's unpredictable even on repeat plays, and this is very much an unpredictable record. Gonzalez makes his recording debut with the band here, and it’s obvious that he’s helped pushed the band’s recordings closer to the level of their infamous live shows.
Considering how controlled the chaos feels at every turn, it's hard to imagine that 'Transfixiation' almost didn't happen. Having spent nearly two straight years on the road, the musicians figured they'd parlay that momentum into a new record as soon as they got settled back home. And while the self-produced sessions at Death By Audio led to some fantastic material, Ackermann hit a wall near the end of that initial month.
"The way it was broken off was so intense," he says. "It got to be too much, where we—or at least I—almost had a meltdown or something. I felt like we had to stop, and I wasn't even sure if the album was going to get finished or if we were going to be friends again."
Two months passed by with little communication between the three members. Ackermann pieced together the set: fresh compositions, songs that had already been recorded in Brooklyn, and the fruit of an earlier recording session with Serena Maneesh frontman Emil Nikolaisen in Norway. Thankfully, everything clicked. A Place to Bury Strangers became whole again, with a bond—onstage and off—that's arguably stronger than it's ever been.
"The one thing we have in common is this fire when we're playing," adds Gonzalez. "I don't know; it's real intense."
The well-oiled Lunadon-Gonzalez rhythm section has adapted to Ackermann's unique style of playing -- the pair has embraced the chain-linked effects (Ackermann has produced custom pedals for such major artists as Lou Reed, My Bloody Valentine, The Flaming Lips, and Nine Inch Nails) and minimized the drum fills.
"It's not rocket science," says Lunadon, "but rock 'n' roll shouldn't be. You gotta keep it simple and rock it fucking hard."
A1 Supermaster
A2 Straight
A3 Love High
A4 What We Don't See
A5 Deeper
A6 Lower Zone
B1 We've Come So Far
B2 Now It's Over
B3 I'm So Clean
B4 Fill The Void
B5 I Will Die
Refund Policy
All original product is sealed or brand new condition. However, if an item is defective (sealed and unused) Please send us proof of item and we will be happy to exchange the defective copy for a replacement of the same item within the first week after receiving the return item from you. If a replacement isn't available, we will offer you a store credit or refund (your choice). There will not be a shipping charge for this exchange.
For international returns, any customs or import duties, taxes and all other charges paid on return shipments are the solely your responsibility. In the event you refuse your package, only the purchase price will be refunded. All costs, duties, fees, or taxes are your responsibility and will not be refunded to you.
If items are not delivered because you gave us incorrect information, or because your post office was unable to deliver the package because there was no-one to receive it, We will refund you for the cost of the items only, but not for the postage charges. Provided the items are still available, we can re-send the items at your request one time only and you will have to pay all shipping fees.
Requests for refunds must be made within 30 days of the purchase date. We will not refund after such date for any reason whatsoever.
All items must be in original condition and show no signs of use, and must be returned in original vendor packaging.
We do not provide a refund or replacement for items that have been scanned as delivered by FedEx, Post Office or SF Express. If your package tracks as delivered, but you have not received it, please inquire with your local FedEx, mail carrier or at your local post office branch.
We cannot accept unwanted/incorrect items that have been opened. Please make sure you pack your return securely. If an item is returned to us in an unsuitable condition due to poor packaging then we may have to send it back to you without a refund.
