Ambitious but never pompous, …And You Will Know Us By the Trail of Dead’s So Divided continues to build on the sound that made Source Tags and Codes and Worlds Apart critics’ favorites. Musically, it’s the band’s most challenging work so far—they continue to embrace their art rock side, but Conrad Keely’s penetrating vocal attack hasn’t softened a bit. With touches of ‘60s pop, luau music, steel guitar and God only knows what else, this is Trail of Dead’s make-or-break record. The underlying desperation makes So Divided very damn exciting, but it’s the lyrics—many of which actually connect this time around—and the group’s willingness to try anything that keep you coming back for another listen. Not content to regurgitate all of their musical influences (Dig that Guided by Voices cover!), Trail of Dead surrender to one long fit of violent retching. A must.
~ Chris Manson
Release date: November 14, 2006
Buy Album from CD Universe
