The Drowning Men – All Of The Unknown
Reviewed by Morgan Waldorf
The Drowning Men are a band from California who have been making their brand of American indie rock since 2006. In 2011 they went into the studio to begin writing their second full length album and with the addition of a new member, Billy Mohler, the band was brimming with new ideas. Throughout the next year the band was constantly busy either touring or working in the studio. Finally, in April the album was completed and then released on July 17th. As their sophomore album, “All Of The Unknown”, shows fans what The Drowning Men are all about.
The record opens with “Lost In A Lullaby” which is the first single.The song begins with a keyboard intro and features a mandolin. It’s a great way of starting the album and it gives you an idea of what you are in for with a bit of an orchestral feel on top of a classic indie rock sound.
“Bored In A Belly” is the strangest track on the record with a complete circus feel. The song showcases the musicianship and creativity of the band with its guitar effects and theatrics.
“Smile” is slowed down, very catchy and sure to be a great sing along tune. It also showcases the bands beautiful and somewhat melancholy songwriting (Don’t you ever let it starve. Don’t you ever let it die. I could never been ashamed for. Having a cup full of tears. I just wanna smile. I wish to disappear. In fact the only place I’d rather be, is in a room with a piano.)
Another standout track is “A Fool’s Campaign” which sounds like it could be played on alternative and indie radio stations. The song showcases singer, Nato Bardeen’s beautiful vocals and guitarist James Smith’s smooth guitar sound.
You can tell that The Drowning Men are a band with true talent and absolute passion for the music that they are making. Fans of bands like Arcade Fire and Manchester Orchestra are sure to enjoy this album and recognize that passion and musicianship that the Drowning Men posess. This is a strong sophomore effort that continously gets better each time as the listener picks up different intricacies in the music and latches on to the beautiful melodies.
Overall Rating: 4/5
Website: www.thedrowningmen.com
