The Antlers // Familiars
Latest Antlers' album Familiars extrapolates on the dreamlike haze of their 2012 EP Undersea, a set of nine slowly evolving atmospheric tracks.
The Antlers
Familiars
Anti-
While some bands would often try to recreate a breakout album, The Antlers have drifted away from Hospice, a devastatingly sad and absolutely wonderful collection. "The reality is that we're not going to make that record again and there'd really be no reason to; we already did it, it already exists" said Antlers frontman Peter Silberman in an interview with the Erie Reader. True to form, latest album Familiars extrapolates on the dreamlike haze of their 2012 EP Undersea, a set of nine slowly evolving atmospheric tracks. Opener "Palace" sparkles from the start, ambling forward as the melody is overtaken by soothing horns. "Doppleganger" finds Silberman singing from a lower register, moving away from his emotive falsetto to create a brooding ambience. Elsewhere, tracks meander sleepily, pleasant sonic landscapes that feel more inquisitive than "sad," a label that The Antlers have born since Hospice. No, the new album won't be as familiar to Hospice diehards, but it's an excellent effort for an evolving band.
4/5