If I have a weakness, it is for anything Post-Rock or Louisville-Kentucky related. By merging two of my obsessions together, I’m pretty much satisfied. Rachel’s not only does those two, but incorporates a pure somber classical influence as well. Thus, I think I found a band almost tailor-made to my experiences as a child and teenager thrown into one big group.
The songs on here have verve, soul and run the gamut from severe to humorous, often within the same song “M. Daguerre” being a prime example. It starts off in a drunken jazz haze, with oboe and vibraphone. A jaunty piano joins them, as does a light-hearted drum.
Formed in the early 90s, very few if any bands decided “Hey, let’s play rock with classical instruments”. You’ll see the guitar, a drum, on the long-length song “Full On Night” but otherwise it is pretty much pure classical. Samples of trains passing by overwhelm the end.
Actually, this works well as winter depression music. Everything on here is moody and pretty dark. Really, the trio did a pretty good job of keeping out the light. The connection with former short-lived band Rodan (not fun people, great band) confirms this.
No one should listen to this during a warm, sun-filled summer day. This is music to listen to while things “seem bleak” and you’re not sure of yourself. Listen to at night, in the dark, while your heat is broken. That’s what kind of music it is.