Dragonslayer

by Sunset Rubdown

Overview

Maintaining the adventurous nature that makes Sunset Rubdown Spencer Krug's most ambitious project, Dragonslayer is a tightly woven and surprisingly effortless listen. Third time's a charm, as they say, and here it seems that Krug has struck that perfect balance between eclectic and poppy. It's a fine line, but Sunset Rubdown tread it well, never seeming too careful and never stepping on a hook with their trademark spiraling solos and splintering changes. Although the band deconstructs the typical verse-chorus formula and the songs usually break the five-minute mark ("Dragon's Lair" exceeds ten minutes), the melodies of "Idiot Heart" and opener "Silver Moons" are instantly memorable, sounding nearly classic. The latter song is a piano ballad with elements of glam rock, that, once again, takes a cue from David Bowie -- but this time appropriating Ziggy Stardust moves rather than drawing influence from Bowie's Berlin era. Sure, the music is challenging -- it's complex, musically and thematically. Art rock's not supposed to be easy. But as carefully crafted as it is, this is the group's most accessible record yet. And it's a damn fine one at that. ~ Jason Lymangrover

Product Details

Release Date:	06/23/2009
Label:	Jagjaguwar
UPC:	0656605214016
Rank:	38094

Tracks

1. Silver Moons
2. Idiot Heart
3. Apollo and the Buffalo and Anna Anna Anaa Oh!
4. Black Swan
5. Paper Lace
6. You Go On Ahead (Trumpet Trumpet Ii)
7. Nightingale / December Song
8. Dragon's Lair

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Sunset Rubdown   Primary Artist

Technical Credits

Harris Newman   Mastering
Michael Doerksen   Group Member
Warren Hill   Cover Photo
Mark Nicol   Group Member
Mike Doerkson   Cover Photo,Group Member
Jordan Robson-Cramer   Group Member
Camilla Wynne Ingr   Group Member
Daniel Murphy   Layout Design
Spencer Krug   Engineer,Group Member
Arlen Thompson   Mixing
Graeme Gibson   Engineer,Audio Engineer