4/5 stars
Right from the opening strains of Attack in Black’s Years (by One Thousand Fingertips), it is clear that this album is not 2007’s Marriage.
It has been two years since the Welland, Ont., quartet released their debut EP and that time was clearly not wasted by the band, who are back with a longer album and a different sound. Years opens with an acoustic title track, and progresses like a perfect mix tape.
Attack in Black has mastered the art of variety and unpredictability on this record. There is something about a band willing to step outside of their signature sound that makes an album even more intriguing, and Years is 51 minutes of stirring lyrics and melodies.
Lead singer Daniel Romano’s distinctive vocals soar over alternating acoustic and electrical tracks, and the flow of the album makes great contrasts between songs. Transitions from more electric guitar oriented tracks like “Moon of Day” to the twangy acoustic of “Brownness of Her Curls” ensure the record never settles on one genre or influence.
“The Greater Niagara Circle Route” and “Liberties” draw from the style heard on Marriage, and add that punk flavour so prominent on their debut to this follow-up album.
The band’s musical influences have never been more apparent than they are on this album. Years features beautiful and charming lyrics, and it is also home to songs like “I’m a Rock” which play out like a tribute to Bob Dylan. The stunning “Birmingham” heavily echoes Neil Young’s “Alabama,” but with a style entirely unique to Attack in Black.
The album is an absolutely brilliant collection of upbeat tracks and occasional twinges of melancholy. Years (By One Thousand Fingertips) is Attack in Black’s most complex and elaborate record yet, and the band is clearly poised to do great musical things.
If Years is a clue to the kind of experimentation and variety Attack in Black is capable of, it will certainly be worth another two-year wait to see what they come up with next.