Dragonslayer is Sunset Rubdown’s (technically) fourth album, but I’d consider it their third because their first LP was more of a solo project by lead singer Spencer Krug released in 2005. Their second album is when the project became more of an actual band, with their album Shut Up I Am Dreaming. Despite their status as comparatively venerable on tributes to the indie scene, Sunset Rubdown doesn’t get very much attention.
I wasn’t sure what I thought about the album when I first listened to it. Actually, I’m still not sure. I enjoy it, and there’s no doubt that it’s good, but it isn’t likely to fall into my music rotation this summer.
The first song, “Silver Moons”, features a piano and is a good starting point. “Idiot Heart” is quickly becoming one of the most listened to tracks on Dragonslayer. It’s one of the better songs on the album, and some parts even remind me of The Cars. Tracks three and four both sound the same to me and I can skip over them without hesitation. “
“You Go on Ahead (Trumpet Trumpet II)” is another very likeable song that’s worth mentioning, but my favorite is “Nightingale/December Song.” It begins with drums and sounds just like Mahjongg.
Then, we get a few electro-pop sounds before Krug’s voice bursts onto the scene. You’d never expected this sound to emerge when the song began. At the end of the second verse, Krug croons, “You need the one who slowly burns/and burns to stay alive/In this way you will come find me in December.” Then, we have an instrumental intermission before the third verse that is so riveting you’ll want to play it over and over.
Another point to mention that may (or may not) draw you to have a listen, is that Spencer Krug is also the lead singer in the more widely-known band, Wolf Parade. If you’re a fan of Grizzly Bear and Animal Collective, you especially should give Sunset Rubdown a chance.
Musically Amusing 