Built to Spill - "There Is No Enemy"
Admittedly, I’ve never seen Built to Spill play live, and I’ve had many opportunities to over the last decade. I have heard horror stories of 30+ minute guitar solos, 2+ hour shows, etc. More of an endurance test than an evening of fun, if you ask me. What I can appreciate is the simple architecture of the arrangements & the presentation. A rock history lesson is present in every BTS record, in many different ways, be they literal, or implied.
Regarding a record review, this has all already been said before. The same can be said about the music contained within There is no Enemy. Built to Spill has been churning out Music Critic drool-worthy albums for a while. The jam aesthetic has always been present, however not as refined as on There is no Enemy. The album is static in its meandering, and the rock is not as much of a presence. The rock, however, has always been subtle with BTS, and when it comes in, it’s always so complicated, thus equaling rock critic lust-object.
It must be said, I didn’t drool all over There is no Enemy. However, I never do when I first encounter a new BTS release. They always grow on you. I’d also mention the lyrics, which have always been inventive and post modern. The references to many past musical creations have always been easy to spot, but the way BTS import these characteristics is displayed on such an ornate tapestry. This could be said about most music or genres, but BTS’s formula is so non-formulaic. It’s on such a scholarly level that you could say the band consists of rock historians, which I’m sure they would be proud of.
There is no Enemy consists of 11 tracks. Through the first 3 tracks, you’re hopping from subtle steady rock to slow dance music. By the time you get to track 4 “Good Old Boredom”, it feels a little forced and is, quite honestly quirky. This has been done perhaps as a rounding out experience. I’m personally not a fan of anything quirky, so this is a total turn off. This can usually be seen as a “driving” song- or a lead in to better material. Who knows- whatever. The next track picks up by instantly delving into the pristine minimalist Stratocaster soloing of “Life’s a Dream.” Poignant lyrics are presented, and the new BTS album has really begun. By the time track 6 “Oh Yeah” has begun, the album has slipped into the notorious album mode. Minimal on lyrics, but they are short & sweet. I really feel like, as with many BTS albums, they must be enjoyed in their full length. There is no Enemy is an album you put on, not intending to listen to 1 particular track- and then you play the whole thing. Lyrics investigate serious issues with an anecdotal & quizzical nature, as Martch has done in the past. Personally, I can agree with most ideas presented, but when you’re making music so hypnotic, how can you not sound like you’re inducing? I’m just glad I agree…
Well, there’s the muscle flexing solos, and intricate song craftsmanship, horns, strings & sound effects, etc. But there’s also the overall somber tone, evocative of Neil Young’s sadder work. The subtle driving behavior of most of the album is a statement in and of itself. BTS has always had that dark edge to them, but just not as obvious. In fact, I think a lot of BTS is damn happy sounding, though the subjects aren’t always bright. The last track, “Tomorrow” would be considered a rave up, as it moves in pretty slowly. It will probably end all of this year’s live shows. It’s also a metaphor for BTS’s musical track record. It’s a signature BTS track that has BTS’s unformulaic DNA all over it. There is no Enemy is not an immediate hit or miss. I may not have noticed everything the first time I listened, but every time I revisit, there’s something new.
