BARONESS
Yellow & Green
[Relapse Records]
Verdict: 9/10
RIYL: Mastodon, Kylesa, Torche
The idea of releasing a double album in 2012 seems a little, for lack of a better word, silly. Very few people still buy CDs, and the majority of listeners prefer to utilize the internet to buy its music. Despite all of this (or maybe because of this), these Southern gentlemen have released seventy-two minutes of music of 18 tracks. Yellow is the harder edged half of the album, while Green meanders in post-rock territory a bit. However, the only way to describe Yellow & Green in its entirety is an absolute, unadultered, accomplishment. There is not a single wasted moment on the double album’s runtime. Of note is the sonic shift for the band. Nearly gone is the sludge metal (read: Mastodon) sound that the band became known for. Instead, this is an odd assortment of sounds coming together: psychedelic, slightly progressive, folky, sometimes poppy, but at its heart, this is a rock album. That may alienate fans of Baroness’ metal past, but they are missing the point. Outside of Periphery, very few bands nowadays are able to produce a 70-plus minute album that is entertaining and enthralling throughout. Somehow, this album ages very well, like a fine Southern bourbon whiskey. Each subsequent listen reveals new notes and intricacies not noticed or appreciated before. Fittingly, the vocals sound as if they were drowned out in liquor, in a beautiful way, of course. The band has toned down the technicality some, but the wondrous guitar work is present in solid riffs and solos. Because of this, it would be easy to say the band has lessened its progressive bent, but Baroness’ ability to interweave so many different sounds and styles into each song is quite progressive. Yellow & Green feels dated in the sense that double albums are passé now, but the care and effort the band clearly put into the album is the kind of thing bands did back in the era of the double album. Maybe more bands should follow suit. As it stands, Baroness has, without a doubt, released one of the best rock albums of the year so far. – by Nicholas Senior
>> Classification: Psychedelic Progressive Sludge Pop
>> Recommended Tracks: “Little Things”, “Back Where I Belong”, and “Eula”
>> In Conclusion: Yellow & Green succeeds on so many levels, and fans of rock of all ages will find something to love on this double album.
