The newest record from Seattle-based quartet Guest Directors, Before You Get Broken captures a vast sonic range that balances ethereal, swirling textures with passionate momentum, offering a collection that feels simultaneously heavy and atmospheric.
“Meet You On The Land” opens the album with alluring guitar-led intrigue, expanding from jangly, shimmering spaciousness into a rhythmic expanse, invoking post-punk nostalgia in its pulsing bass line. Whirring guitars take hold thereafter, caressing with textural passion before the emergence of dreamy vocals. The “as the waves wash over me” lyricism furthers a sense of escapism-oriented blissfulness, referencing “the land” as a sanctuary of sorts, though admitting that “I can’t stay” as resonating layers of guitars persist; the tale of a mermaid who won’t give everything up for a prince is artfully conveyed. Ensuing track “You Are Never” commands as well, there within a more fervently expressive briskness and duet-ing “echo in my head” vocal immersion.
“Just Not Today” is another standout in the harder-rocking spectrum, commencing immediately with blaring, impassioned guitar work that never lets up. “If you got the time, then it’s okay,” a sturdy vocal lets out into twangy guitar hypnotics, excelling there in the touch of psych-friendly haziness added to the ardent rock appeal. Elsewhere, “At The Gate” embraces a dream-pop realm in its ghostly lyrical loneliness and glistening guitar tones, its “at the gate” culmination gorgeously stirring, showing the band as plenty capable of both introspective and rousing productions — and on “At The Gate” specifically, emphasizing the album’s increased use of piano. Before You Get Broken is a gripping success of a full-length from Guest Directors.
—
“Meet You On The Land” and other tracks featured this month can be streamed on the updating Obscure Sound’s ‘Emerging Singles’ Spotify playlist.
We discovered this release via MusoSoup.
