By: David Schultz

Without question, . . . And You Will Know Us by the Trail Of Dead possess one of the greatest names in rock n' roll history. Although the name conjures up visions of death-metal or Sergio Leone spaghetti westerns, the guitar-heavy indie-darlings from Austin, Texas are better associated with the aural assaults of bands like the Smashing Pumpkins. On So Divided, their fifth studio album, the combine their love for lush guitar jams with a modern recording approach lets them keep their rough edges as they dabble with songs that make them sound like a hipper version of the Electric Light Orchestra.

Ragged on the surface, the studio professionalism apparent on So Divided can be traced back to the layered tracks first popularized by The Beatles and The Beach Boys. Building a sense of majesty into their songs, they indulge their guitar jam itch with Kevin Allen, Conrad Keely and Jason Reece giving "Stand In Silence" an understated elegance and "Naked Sun" an epic sweep. For a band bragging about bodies in their wake, some of the songs are especially upbeat and poppy; even one entitled "Eight Days Hell." Trail Of Dead moves their songs through different soundscapes with varying success: "A Song Of Fire And Wine" leads very nicely into "Stand In Silence" but "Sunken Dreams" loses focus after starting off with an old-school U2 kick.

Unlike many indie buzz bands, Trail Of Dead has a significant catalogue of which So Divided is simply the latest chapter. Longtime fans may be able to dissertate extensively on So Divided's place in the Trail Of Dead pantheon. Those not as steeped in the band's mythology won’t need Cliff Notes though; So Divided stands well enough on its own without a back story.

Labels: . . . And You Will Know Us By The Trail Of Dead