NO TITLE AS OF 13 FEBRUARY 2024 28,340 DEAD album cover.

NO TITLE AS OF 13 OCTOBER 2024 42,979 DEAD

Godspeed You! Black Emperor

You'd expect a Godspeed record that makes a direct reference to the grim events currently ongoing between Israel and Palestine to present the dystopian and apocalyptic soundscapes the Montréal collective are typically known for. However, in a clear display of Palestinian solidarity, the post-rock greats deliver a hopeful rallying cry. It begins with SUN IS A HOLE SUN IS VAPORS who's repetitive melodic motif and stirring instrumentation could be interpreted as the band's own take on Reveille. The first phase of my favourite track, BABYS IN A THUNDERCLOUD, is built around swelling guitars that stream overhead like jets. The second phase introduces reverbed, buzzing guitars playing a very stoic riff. There's a very serious and courageous weight to them, like a distant horn sounding off in the distance telling anyone within earshot to be prepared.

Godspeed follows up with another lengthy piece titled RAINDROPS CAST IN LEAD. The instrumentation is very lovely, especially in the angelic and curious back half. The only problem I have with this track is the drumming in the first half; the full-time pace feels a little awkward and I wouldn't say the performance comes off very confident. However, the song comes to a very triumphant climax. PALE SPECTATOR TAKES PHOTOGRAPHS is the most tension filled piece, featuring familiarly buzzing guitars droning away as tribal tom hits propel the song forward. The track continues to build in intensity as pitchy violins weep, cymbals crash, and bells are aggressively struck. Once the track reaches its fever pitch, the soundscape is actually quite hellish. The album finishes with GREY RUBBLE - GREEN SHOOTS, who's first half is supremely beautiful and uplifting, yet contrasted with a very somber and understated second half.

Despite the absence of lyrics, the band's politics have always been clearly communicated via their cinematic orchestrations. I'm very happy to see Godspeed continue to convey their anti-war sentiments and also - not surprisingly - vehemently demonstrate their support for Palestine. You certainly get a strong sense of conviction listening to this album as it is thematically focused, tremendously emotional, and consistently powerful. NO TITLE may just be the band's most inspired and important record of their second act.