Search - At the Drive in :: Anthology: This Station Is Non-Operational

Music/Listen/Repeat

LeftManOut | TheCityThatNeverSleeps, FL | 08/07/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"At The Drive In have long been praised as one of the most innovative and extraordinary groups in music. However there was a time in their career when they were just finding their footing and growing into the monster they would become. The trial stage was "Acrobatic Tenement", but with this, their sophomore album "In/Casino/Out", At The Drive In displayed what they have been known for, for years now : Amazing song-writing. If you're not familiar with the early stages that the band went through to get to where they were, then this is of the utmost importance to listen to. Not just that, but it is even more evidence as to why At The Drive In was easily one of the best bands of the last 10 years, and one of the most inspirational and original groups to emerge in music.



"Alpha Centauri" opens the album in dizzying fashion, giving way to shattering guitar chords, frantic drumming, and a soulful performance by front man Cedric. Jim and Omar play off one another with interesting (and most impressive) guitar structures and progressions, that at most times will leave your jaw on the floor. However they are only complimented by Paul's rumbling bass lines and Tony's outlandish drumming. And this is just the first song. Don't get comfortable, because as quickly as "Alpha Centauri" ends, the jarring, schizophrenic "Chanbara" kicks in showcasing its wild yells, interesting drumming and excellent lyrics. You can hear a bit of Mars-Volta-ish style vocals during the verse, which was a sign of things that would come in the future after At The Drive In's break-up. But just as quickly as the band can floor you with the powerful tracks, driving numbers like "Napoleon Solo" and "Hourglass" show how diverse they can get at the drop of a hat. However I wouldn't say this is a difficult listen at all. "Hulahoop Wounds", "For Now.. We Toast" and "Transatlantic Foe" are all upbeat and accessible, but they are easily balanced out by more aggressive pieces like "Shaking Hand Incision" and "A Devil Among The Tailors." There's such a wide range of dynamics and writing on here, it's hard to get bored with anything the band presents.



Of all the 11 tracks to be found on the album though, "Lopsided" has got to be the absolute best. I will go as far as to say it's the best song the band has ever written. Now of course I hold a certain bias since it is both the first song I ever heard by the band and my personal favorite. Like all the songs found on the disc, the lyrics are absolutely stunning (Cedric is really one of the greatest writers in music) and the musicianship is unparalleled. Furthermore it's probably the most strikingly different tune that the band has ever recorded. While every song on the record is an instant classic in and of itself, "Lopsided" truly set the standard for what I held At The Drive In too.



After all is said and done, there is not a single moment on this cd that is anything less than enjoyable. While this album is not considered as great as their final album "Relationship Of Command", (I have no idea why though) "In/Casino/Out" is really a necessary purchase for all fans of the band, and indie-rock/post-hardcore in general. It was really the biggest stepping stone in the band's discography, and if it lead to great products like "Vaya" and "Relationship Of Command," it would seem like there is little to complain about. While "Acrobatic Tenement" was a bit pre-mature, "In/Casino/Out" was truly when this band become one of the innovators in modern music. Easily deserves the endless mass of praise."

Just amazing

Matthew Rascher | Sacramento, CA | 07/13/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Well I've heard their other two major cds and this one never really stood out to me before. I saw they had releases a greatest hits compilation and listened to one of the songs on it from In-Casino-Out and found it to be very good. So I gave the rest of the cd a try and was just blown away by the incredibleness of it. Evey song has that tight sound to it, its just rock thats perfectly crafted. It's fun to listen to, I hear they had an amazing live show and the energy the music itself makes just lends to it. I feel like I'm right there watching them while listening to this masterpiece. My favorite songs are Hulahoop wounds and Lopsided. Overall though the cd doesn't have a bad song on it and is well worth the listen."