From the bleak grey album cover, with just am embossed stark leaf-less tree impression, to the first distinctive throbs of opener 'Gentle', this could only ever be the new album from Low.
'One and Sixes' is the band's 11th album, and the 5th for the ever excellent Sub Pop. As for the cryptic title, maybe something to do with six of one, half a dozen of the other?
Following the scratchy, and clearly digitally enhanced effects of the opening track, we’re back on familiar territory with 'No Comprende', the first single released. Alan Sparhawk and Mimi Parker’s harmonious entwinement somehow just seems to get better with age, and the thunderous and maybe portentous pulse acts as a counterpointing backdrop. Shivers down the spine material.
'Congregation' is the first track with Mimi taking lead on the vocals, and even harmonising with herself over a ticking backdrop and droning guitars. I’ve heard interviews with Alan, suggesting fans would prefer an album full of Mimi singing solo. Not me however; as lovely as her voice is, it's the interaction between the two of them that makes Low special.
One criticism aimed at Low, is they don’t write tunes….well check out 'No End'….a pop tune, Low style of course, magically catchy and up there with 'California' from 'The Great Destroyer'.
'Into You' brings the pace and the temperature back down, again with Mimi on vocals to devastating effect.
Frustratingly, the lyrics aren’t included with the album, however 'What Part Of Me?' seems to be a question aimed at each other - they have been together since teenagers, both living and touring together, and potentially the strain that puts on a relationship.
'Kid in the Corner' is a pacier affair than most tracks here, and one could almost say it’s upbeat….of course, everything’s relative.
'Lies' and 'Landslide' represent my favourite tracks on the album, the former being a more fully formed song, with added keyboards, but with the epic Landslide this takes me back to when I fell in love with Low a decade ago - funereal pace, thumping bass, minor chords and down tuned guitar interludes. Beautiful, mesmeric, hypnotic.
What’s remarkable for me is the consistency Low show, album after album, whilst quietly evolving their sound. What did John Peel say about The Fall - “Always different, always the same…”, well that sums up Low for me, and with this latest album, they have produced something out of their top drawer to rival Secret Name and Things We Lost In The Fire, whilst never straying from their well-worn template. This is a magnificent album.
Keith
10/11
