¡Forward, Russia! - Life Processes

Genre indie-rock Publisher Mute Records

When last we left ¡Forward, Russia!'s debut Give Me A Wall, they were the latest indie craze. Their hi-hat-heavy crunchy rhythms a la Bloc Party churned out a pair of Top 40 singles and catapulted them into the limelight. Their quarky penchant for songs that were all named numbers provided an interesting gimmick to match their indie-pop sensibilities, but it would seemingly pose difficulties to continually reproduce effectively.

Fast forward 2008 and the Leeds four-piece finds a fresh ear in producer Matt Bayles (Minus The Bear, Pearl Jam, Mastadon). The result is a massive controlled explosion of meticulously laiden harmonies, riffs and rhythmic shifts. The opening track, "Welcome to the Moment (The Rest of Your Life)," establishes Tom Woodhead's demanding falsetto and quickly transitions into the second track "We Are Grey Matter," creating an intense affair between verse and chorus overlaiden with a lingering pronounced guitar. "Let me make this fucking clear: I've got a landmine attached to my leg. / With eyeballs turned inside my head, the failure of the super ego doesn't look that comofortable," sets the resolute tone.

There's no mistaking the heavy dissonance that echoes in your head as each track boldly slithers into the next. "A Prospector Can Dream," "Don't Reinvent What You Don't Understand" and "Spring Is a Condition" showcase a dedication to detail and mastering of their newfound auditory assault. Rather than tiring out the use of power chords, more energy is focused on developing the harmonies and overall presence. The results are inspiring.

All that wonderful praise aside, this is not to say there is a tremendous departure from Give Me A Wall or anything incredibly original. Like a good suspense movie though, Life Processes always seems to know how to keep you on edge. It never gives away too much. It is never too simple or too complex. It is just the right amount to keep you guessing with anticipation. As the last song, "Spanish Triangles," burns its momentum and begins to sail calmly into the sunset, one can only hope to start it all over again.