A Place to Bury Strangers has a new rhythm section (the husband and wife team of John and Sandra Fedowitz on bass and drums, respectively) and with it Oliver Ackermann‘s most personal album to date – See Through You. The album is full of nods towards the band’s past sounds, continuing explorations of familiar themes (i.e., the insidious way technology continues to separate us), and movements to the future and new ways of pushing the sonic envelope.
The references to Ackermann’s past bandmates are inescapable, and he’s made it no secret that the lineup change, the pandemic, and the world lockdown changed his perspective on pretty much everything. The album’s opener (with its cool, robotic bass lick from John Fedowitz), “Nice of You to Be There for Me,” might be a sarcastic jab or it might be a genuine acknowledgment. It’s up to us to decide, as much of APTBS’ music is always open to multiple interpretations. Ackermann’s guitar work on it is somehow disjointed and jazzy at the same time.
“I’m Hurt,” however, pretty much tells you how Ackermann’s feeling. Sandra Fedowitz’s beats in it are pure industrial, perfectly backing up the dark, heavy feel of Ackermann’s mind. The song belongs in a modern giallo film. “Let’s See Each Other” might be the friskiest song Ackermann’s ever written. “Open your heart to me. Explore the fantasy, we’ve got the chance to be together. Let’s meet up late tonight, indulge in pure delight…” I mean…come on! Then again, knowing Ackermann, the song is probably about online fantasies and how they never pan out to be what you think they will.
“I never thought you’d get so low,” Ackermann sings on the fuzzy “So Low.” One interesting thing about See Through You is how the album has some of Ackermann’s clearest vocals yet it doesn’t slouch on the raw, loud power of APTBS’ catalogue. “So Low” is a good example of this. You can make out pretty much every word, but it’s still as loud as a saw mill. Just to surprise you, however, “Dragged in a Hole” is almost the opposite on the vocals, as they’re almost melded with the monster growls of Ackermann’s guitar and John Fedowitz’s bass.
“There’s no way to make it right. It wasn’t even done on purpose. You should know it’s not your fault, and I know no one deserves this.” Those are the opening lyrics of “Ringing Bells,” a track in which Ackermann apologizes to someone (Past bandmates? A former lover? Deceased relatives?) and Sandra Fedowitz goes completely nuts on her drum kit, being the yang rage to Ackermann’s yin grief. “I Disappear (When You’re Near)” has a cool, warped darkwave vibe to it that makes it a standout.
“Anyone but You” is surprisingly peppy with happy dance rhythms provided by Mr. and Mrs. Fedowitz. I can’t help but wonder if “My Head Is Bleeding” is a sort of sequel to “To Fix the Gash in Your Head,” one of APTBS‘ earliest tracks. “My back’s against the wall,” Ackermann sings on “Broken” – a track with frenetic energy to reflect his state of mind. John Fedowitz cranks up his bass on “Hold on Tight,” which you need to do throughout the entire track because it might knock you flat.
Synths and guitars meld well together on “I Don’t Know How You Do It,” almost to the point where you’re not sure where one ends and the other begins. It’s a strong shoegaze track, and a tip of the hat to The Jesus and Mary Chain with its sound. This sound continues on the uplifting closer, “Love Reaches Out,” with Ackermann singing, “I’ll always have the warmest thoughts of you.”
See Through You is one of APTBS’ most interesting releases as of late, even improving on the Hologram EP released not long ago that started exploring these themes of loss and hope. Ackermann is always exploring and innovating, and this record sets his bar even higher for the next.
Keep your mind open.
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[Thanks to Patrick at Pitch Perfect PR.]
