MEWITHOUTYOU - PALE HORSES

Philadelphia fivesome mewithoutYou are a curious beast. Simultaneously channelling the spirits of Fugazi, Interpol, all post-rock, Okkervil River and Manchester Orchestra, their dissonant brand of indie-rock rises and falls in a swell of crescendos and quiet moments.

The spoken word stylings of Aaron Weiss rise on this sea. His lyrics like the stream of consciousness of a man facing a perpetual existential crisis. Often exploring religious themes, usually the monotheistic Abrahamic beliefs, it is no different in Pale Horses.

With five other albums under their belt, this is a continuation of an already well established, consistently excellent, largely unique style. D-Minor, Mexican War Streets, Blue Hen and Rainbow Signs show the band at their best. Red Cow, another stand-out, faintly echoes Torches Together from their second album Catch Us For The Foxes but unlike that earlier work, there's a real sense of space in this record.

The tempo may have slowed, but the earnestness of their effort, their power and impact have not diminished. In fact, Weiss and his bandmates Michael Weiss,Greg Jehanian, Richard Mazzotta and Brandon Beaver come to master these waters.

The good ship mewithoutYou continues to carve an undulating path through the pale horses of those breaking waves. 8/10 STEPHEN MILNES