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PlayBoy
Low: The Great Destroyer
Joshua Klein
Few imagined that Low could get so much mileage out of its ultra-minimalist sound. But the Duluth, Minnesota trio has steadily become more intense over the past decade. The Great Destroyer, Low's seventh album and first on Sub Pop, has captured more of the band's energetic live presence. This is the second album in a row that features the distinctive, expansive production of Dave Fridmann, best known for his work with the Flaming Lips. Though no one will ever confuse Low with that musical circus, The Great Destroyer has more going on than Low normally offers. Beginning with "Monkey," singer-guitarist Alan Sparhawk's guitar has some crunch to it, while singer-drummer Mimi Parker's toms echo and ring with newfound character. It's three songs in before "Silver Rider" brings things down to Low's more familiar hushed, haunted level, and even then it virtually glows with an epic quality as the wordless vocal harmonies float out over grandiose guitar. Elsewhere, songs such as "Just Stand Back," "Walk Into the Sea" and "Step," which features hand-claps amidst the fuzzy guitar freak-outs, sound downright peppy. Perhaps such a radical departure was inevitable, as Low's slow and subdued template couldn't work forever. But the band has grown without losing its special, core qualities. It may not sound much like past albums, but there's no mistaking its otherworldly grace.
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