Mountain Debris by A Grave With No Name
LABEL: Lefse Records

The power of the LP, when harnessed, has always been its ability to bring a listener into the world of the artist, on the artist's own terms. One would leave the experience fulfilled, having been directly engaged and smothered within a carefully constructed environment of expression. London-based A Grave With No Name have made such an album with Mountain Debris.

While undeniably drawing from indie roots, A Grave With No Name are difficult to categorize. Their DIY-punk attitude is tempered with patience and folk sensibilities shacking up with analog experimentation. Instruments are means to an end, here, whatever they may be and however they may be used.

Reverb plays a large part on the record, washing over guitars, drums, and vocals to create a dense atmosphere that feels immersive and inviting. The first two tracks seem to hark back to groups like Cocteau Twins and My Bloody Valentine where the vocal production is harmonized with the instrumentation. Frontman Alex Shields is an admitted fan of producers such as Dave Fridmann (known for his work with The Flaming Lips and Weezer, and there are definite nods to these artists on Mountain Debris).

“The combined sharp twists and turns in style, produce one solid arrangement. It's very hard to get a clear picture of Mountain Debris from only a couple tracks.”

The album is quick to point out, however, that it isn't content to linger in one sound too long. 'Sofia' shifts into indie-rock mode and there are several primarily acoustic tracks on the album. One of the great strengths of this record is its apparently genuine disinterest towards settling in any one genre...or three. The longest track clocks in at 2:51, and the shortest at just 0:50. While this combination may appear to make an incoherent and baffled statement, it is quite the opposite. The combined sharp twists and turns in style, produce one solid arrangement. It's very hard to get a clear picture of Mountain Debris from only a couple tracks. This will make it more difficult to sell, but the result is a more rewarding experience for a listener willing to take the time to enjoy the whole piece.

The fault of the record seems to lie in its strength: the production, which, as Mountain Debris reaches its 3/4 mark, seems to be what really holds everything together. Without it, a lot of the arrangements fall apart either out of simplicity or discontinuity. But in the end it does hold together as one expressive whole. It's an infectious, charming, and engaging listen that is well worth the time it takes to really sink in.


REVIEWED BY NEIL M. LEVENS
NEIL'S 3 FAVORITE TRACKS: "The Sun Rises", "Silver", and "Lavender"