Search - Balmorhea :: All Is Wild, All Is Silent

All Is Wild, All Is Silent
Balmorhea
All Is Wild, All Is Silent
Genres: Alternative Rock, Pop, Rock
 
  •  Track Listings (9) - Disc #1

"Balmorhea, an acoustic quartet from Austin, plays tender, bucolic instrumentals that waft and linger like the remnants of a summer afternoon." -- Time Out New York "Minimalist, cinematic music that combines modern, experi...  more »

     
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CD Details

All Artists: Balmorhea
Title: All Is Wild, All Is Silent
Members Wishing: 5
Total Copies: 0
Label: Western Vinyl
Original Release Date: 1/1/2009
Re-Release Date: 3/10/2009
Genres: Alternative Rock, Pop, Rock
Style: Indie & Lo-Fi
Number of Discs: 1
SwapaCD Credits: 1
UPC: 656605958620

Synopsis

Album Description
"Balmorhea, an acoustic quartet from Austin, plays tender, bucolic instrumentals that waft and linger like the remnants of a summer afternoon." -- Time Out New York "Minimalist, cinematic music that combines modern, experimental acoustic sounds with classical qualities." -- Second Stage, NPR Austin's Balmorhea has always made beautiful music, but that pulchritude has often belied the underlying sensuality that makes their music so inviting. The band takes a giant leap forward, embracing that sensuality, on their bold and variegated new album. Now a six-piece with drums and upright bass, the band known for understated simplicity and restraint has produced a album that is joyous, haunting, and even a little sexy. Throughout the album you can almost hear hearts pounding in the sun as the music swells and aches. Some of the most surprising moments manage to be both subdued and antagonistic, acting as a balm for the frazzled soul and as an impetus for revisiting (and reevaluating) some of the most magical and painful times of the past. Part of the band's metamorphosis was inevitable, with the addition of drums, upright bass, and the frequent use of wordless vocals provided by both band members and special guest Jesy Fortino of Tiny Vipers (Sub Pop). The way they incorporate these new elements is remarkable, but even more impressive is the growth and maturity of their songwriting skills. "Balmorhea flashes brilliance only to highlight a slow-burning constancy that's at the core of one of the year's early slow wonders." -- Pitchfork

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CD Reviews

Refreshment
E. Schwartz | Pgh, PA | 08/28/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)

"This album is breathtaking. I do not exaggerate. Sweeping and doleful, it is not so much an album as it is a soundscape fit for scenes only found in the American Southwest 150 years ago. And that makes sense coming from a band from Austin. It takes the vacancy of a desert to elicit and distill this breed of artistic expression. Though Balmorhea has not yet reached the creative maturity of bands like Sigur Rós, it is apparent that they are well on their way. What Icelanic tundra is for Sigur Rós, the Texas hill country may be for Balmorhea.



The layering of piano, cello, violin, acoustic guitar, restrained drums, hand claps and distant vocal harmonies evokes feelings of exaltation and remorse all in one poignant go. To be true, this may be less an indie rock album than it is a modern classical one. Yet not a single moment is boring or tedious. This is the kind of album that is worth sitting down and *listening* to on vinyl. This is the kind of album that makes even a dreary bus ride home beautiful.



Wrought with folksy feelings of western expansion, rushing rivers, and big open skies, I find myself being pulled into a simple world no longer existent in the hyper-connected modern lifestyles we all seem to inhabit. Balmorhea has minutely slowed the pace of the world by making this album, and I would consider that admirable.



"
(BAL-MOOR-AY)
James | 09/12/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)

"Balmorhea is less post-rock more traditional instrumental music, but has has plenty of experimentation and climactic build-ups to hook fans of various instrumental genres. All is Wild, All is Silent is more of a full-band effort than their previous, minimalistic albums - now using acoustic and lead guitars, piano, drums, *upright* bass, violin, cello and banjo.



My personal favorite, "Harm and Boon", starts with sparse, dismal piano chords but quickly builds into one of the most elegant and triumphant pieces you may ever hear. "Rememberance" is a mournful track that could appropriately narrate a moment-of-truth duel between two rivaling gunslingers (circa 1831).



Romantic and bold, Balmorhea makes terrific progress with All is Wild, All is Silent. Balmorhea keep themselves busy soundtracking films, touring internationally, and making music wrought with indescribable glory. If nothing else, download their track "Harm and Boon". Save it for a particularly calm and quiet moment, then give it a listen. Balmorhea will become one of your favorites."
Soul touching
T. Figueroa | 10/18/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)

"Oh. My. Goodness. This album is completely amazing! They are soo talented; they know how to play those instruments. And there are multiple instruments!! Listening to this album as I drive between hills and the beautiful nature makes me sooo happy. I feel like I can do anything; it gives me such inspiration. I listen to song number eight and nine every night before I fall asleep and meditate to it. Get it, you won't regret it :)"