Review of Deadsoul Tribe - The Dead Word

Progressive rockers Deadsoul Tribe have returned with their fourth full length album. Like all their previous releases, The Dead Word is well crafted and professionally executed with moments of soul wrenching brilliance scattered throughout. Unfortunately, this latest outing continues the almost imperceptible decline in quality found on the The January Tree, and finds the truly brilliant and awe inspiring moments coming fewer and farther between.

On the up side, The Dead Word is the heaviest album DST have ever released. "Don't You Ever Hurt," and "To My Beloved" feature the band locking into some undeniable grooves. The chemistry between the band's mastermind Devon Graves and Adel Moustafa remains the band's most winning attribute, and provides for the lion's share of compelling moments on this album. However, Graves as a band leader is vexingly hit or miss. The attempts at politicizing on "Some Sane Advice" stumbles across well trodden ground, coming off like A Perfect Circle covering 60's protest rock. Those familiar with APC's Emotive know how unappetizing that proposition is. On the other hand, Grave's love songs serve as a far better outlet for his grandiose composition style and delightfully unfettered crooning.

There aren't any real stinkers on this album, save for the snyth-driven "My Dying Wish," which still features a great vocal performance by Graves and a quirky bass solo. However, what's slightly saddening here is the the realization of DST's not-so-subtle transformation into a art-rock/ jam band. What that might mean, is that the days of meticulously composed masterpieces like "Regret" and "I'm Not Waving" have been swept aside for the free-wheeling, wandering jam tracks that populate the new album. It's not exactly a travesty, as DST are still pretty good at what they do. The music simply isn't as compelling as it used to be. Approach this album as you would any release by Tool, APC, or other like minded art rock outfits, an impressive display of musicianship that falls just short of entirely captivating.

Release Details

Deadsoul Tribe

The Dead Word

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