The Antlers‘ album “Hospice” has been generating considerable buzz, and rightfully so. It stands out as one of the most intriguing albums of 2009, defying expectations of typical indie alternative rock. Instead, it presents a deeply conceptual journey, as suggested by its title.
Listening to “Hospice” is akin to embarking on a poignant exploration of life and death within the confines of a hospital. The album’s sonic landscape oscillates between spacious, ethereal moments reminiscent of Sigur Rós during their “( )” era, characterized by expansive instrumentation, and the intimate, introspective tones of indie folk/rock akin to The Dodos and Patrick Watson, especially considering their shared label, Frenchkiss Records.
At the forefront of this musical odyssey is Peter Silberman’s haunting vocals, which add a layer of raw emotion to the already evocative narrative. His delivery captures the essence of the album’s themes, further immersing listeners into its profound depths.
“Hospice” undoubtedly earns its place among the best albums of 2009, destined to feature prominently on countless year-end lists. Among its standout tracks are the emotionally charged “Kettering,” the hauntingly beautiful “Sylvia,” the introspective “Atrophy,” the raw and visceral “Bear,” the melancholic “Thirteen,” the atmospheric “Two,” and the stirring “Awake.”
Two by The Antlers
The Antlers live in Toronto
Hospice gets: 📷📷📷📷📷📷📷📷📷/10.
Comments
Awesome review, I absolutely loved this album. I wish they’d play Ottawa!