Culture

Flying Nun Records
4.5/5

Building on the more melodic moments on their previous work, with Form semi-Dunedin trio Die! Die! Die! has created a work of true mastery. This new album features a notable shift in production values from the cold and distant Promises Promises; Form moves the band significantly forward, adding textured and dynamic arrangements to front man and guitarist’s Andrew Wilson’s dry yelp of a vocal.
Opener ‘Caseman’ sets the tone perfectly with a lonely and impassioned howl, backed by a comparatively pop guitar line. Here, with their abrasive roots pushed to the background, the songwriting talents of the group are allowed to shine, unlocking a subtly and beauty to surround the listener rather than brutally assault them. However, don’t take this as a sign that Die! Die! Die! has lost its edge. Drummer Michael Prain’s frantic, searching fills maintain a sense of urgency, propelling the now more muscular frameworks forward.
Standout second single ‘Howye’ is simply stunning. The incredible rhythm section furiously underpins a rich Wilson lead that finally explodes into a dense, swirling, yet somehow joyous anthem chorus. Equally as effective on the proto-punk-shoegaze of ‘Daze’ or accessible hook of ‘Paquin’, Form expertly shifts Die! Die! Die!’s focus without compromising the groups true nature. An essential listen that may yet be the best New Zealand album of 2010.