Water Gun Water Gun Sky Attack - Total Swarm for Young Men
Despite boasting some of Water Gun Water Gun Sky Attack’s most impressive instrumentation, and one hell of an album cover, Total Swarm for Young Men is sadly a low point in Reuse’s discography. Released July 9th, 2022, the album suffered due to its over-reliance on vocals; opting for an autobiographical approach, rather than letting the instrumentation flow.
This can be evidently heard directly in the opening track, where the subtler instrumentation bridges are the standout. Unfortunately, the vocal melodies clash with the instrumentals, especially during the “Control Control Control Control Control Control” chant. A shame, as the swirling electronics and dangly guitars are sublime. The issue is evident throughout the remaining album, in which the vocal melodies often sound combatant of the krautrock. Take Augury for example, where it often feels like the artist is just talking over the background music during the verses for the sake of it. Suffice to say, songs that strip back the leading voice are the best, such as Ssissssy and Horrific & You. Furthermore, the best moments are the transitions, which are mostly brilliant. It’s the meat in between them that disappoints. Not all the experimentation is bad, though. Not-a-Person is thoroughly enjoyable, thanks to its constant switch-ups throughout its short length.
In my review of his previous album, Gay Joke, I wrote: “Reuse has made the same mistake on Gay Joke as many great singer-songwriters before him; the composer has placed too much of an emphasis on the lyricism and the “meaning” behind his music, and sometimes the music itself feels like an afterthought.” This time, the instrumentation is far more admirable, though Reuse can’t help getting in his own way. Whereas previous releases benefited from balancing the gritty krautrock with its sweet melodies, Tim’s latest effort sounds unnecessarily autobiographical. The album may have even stood as his best if it weren’t for the stark, contrasting vocals that wail throughout.
Total Swarm for Young Men saddens me because it’s exceptionally well composed and brilliantly mixed. It’s just not catchy; at all.
Average
Listen to it here:
https://watergunsky.bandcamp.com/album/total-swarm-for-young-men
Water Gun Water Gun Sky Attack - Total Swarm for Young Men
