Arizona has some incredible emo music, and really it always has – Lydia, The Format, Jimmy Eat World, Reuben’s Accomplice… it’s a long, and ultimately quite varied list. Much of it also comes across as anthemic, and while Celebration Guns‘ latest is certainly that, it’s also something quite different.
Apart from the quality of the songs, which is obviously quite high, one thing that sets it apart straight away is what we call ‘the mix.’ What Keeps Us Coming Back has an intimate, even understated sound to it that somehow also refuses to ground itself. It feels fresh but distinctly lived in, not unlike the house depicted on the cover.
It took a few songs for us to settle on it, but we ended up coming up with was a term we’re not even sure makes total sense – medium dynamic. The loud parts don’t jump out wildly, they present themselves as new sections nakedly. The quiet parts are completely audible, and rarely step back even as layer upon layer drips down over the course of songs like “Magpies in Disguise” and “Here’s the Thing.” It’s far from a criticism, in fact this focus is part of… well, what kept us coming back.
In some ways it all feels like a throwback to the days of Static Previals and Dog Problems but there’s also so much modern math rock on display it can’t help but present itself as an updated take on the sound, which for many around here will sweeten the deal. The drums are chunky and dry and match up perfectly with the backbone of bass, the guitars are actually pretty spiffy as they employ a lot of poly-meter, and there’s fun surprises in the background like mandolin and strings that spice things up.
We’re Trying Records has been putting out a lot of gold lately, but right now Celebration Guns sits pretty close to the top of the pile. If you wanted to get just one taste of the record, we’d recommend “Johl Rides Again,” but if you like it, which we’re pretty sure you will, you’re going to love the rest something fierce.
(Thanks for reading! If you’re looking for more music, check out our Bandcamp compilations here. If you like us, or possibly even love us, donations are always appreciated at the Buy Me A Coffee page here as well. Don’t let the bastards get you down!)