I first got turned on to This Town Needs Guns years ago. I fell in love with their track “Want to Come Back to My Room”. The love song is often a trite thing, but TTNGs’ track was something that moved me: it captured the complex feelings of heartache and longing while creating an amazingly elaborate instrumental effort. I was impressed and remain so today upon reviewing 13.0.0.0.0
The album blends together with all the predictable elements of a TTNGs album: outstanding technical expertise blends together underneath a soothing lead singer’s crooning. Intricate drumming, bass lines and guitar riffs blur together into an ultimately listenable album of lullabies, easy listening jams and will-be indie rock classics.
The album begins with “Cat Fantastic,” starting with succinct drumming and guitar riffs while the lead singer drifts lyrics about “tan lines and red wine,” giving a dreamy French Riviera feel to the first track. “Left Aligned” brings a beat structure that demands a patient listener who is well rewarded for the effort: the drums, guitar and bass create an intricate tapestry at first that fades to a lullaby before emerging back into a complex indie song. “+#3 Awesomeness Repels Water” provides a stomping good rock song with all the characteristic TTNGs intricate guitar work blended with simple percussion.
The entire effect of the album is a dizzying, dazzling and impressive feat of instrumental precision, drifting lyrics and attention to detail that makes it an immediately identifiable This Town Needs Guns album. Although this band may not be for the casual listener, it rewards the enthusiast with some incredibly complex and enjoyable tunes. Listen here!
