The Antlers (Official Thread)

[wtfmates]

Because they need one. I've just discovered Hospice and it's all I can listen to.

For people who haven't listened to them: http://www.myspace.com/theantlers

[wtfmates]

Listen now, damnit.

[Feeney]

Great band. I'm so stoked that they're coming to Montreal.

[wtfmates]

Great band. I'm so stoked that they're coming to Montreal.

Yay! A response! You're pretty lucky. Come back to this thread and fill me in on how awesome it was while I sit in florida, where no good band dares to tread.

[joss d.]

i made a thread in the general that's a couple pages long

[bard]

yeah, they're good. like the album and the attic EP

[oddwithoutend]

I liked Hospice.

[wtfmates]

i made a thread in the general that's a couple pages long

Yeah, I saw that, but figured they needed one in the music forum. Mine is a pretty pathetic excuse for an official thread though.

[oddwithoutend]

From what I know, the album has been fairly overlooked this year. It's one of my favourites so far, and I think there's a lot of people out there who would love this band if they gave them a chance. Recommended to those who are bored of Death Cab for Cutie, and want better gentle, emotional music.

[wtfmates]

From what I know, the album has been fairly overlooked this year. It's one of my favourites so far, and I think there's a lot of people out there who would love this band if they gave them a chance. Recommended to those who are bored of Death Cab for Cutie, and want better gentle, emotional music.

Yeah, I haven't heard much talk about it at all, which is odd, considering everyone who listens to it ends up really liking it. It's severely overlooked.

Maybe I should add a RILY section to the first post. I can't really think of any bands to compare it too. Not that it isn't similar to anything, I'm just tired and my brain isn't functioning well.

[oddwithoutend]

Your daddy was an asshole
He fucked you up
Built those gears in your head
Now he greases them up

[wtfmates]

Your daddy was an asshole
He fucked you up
Built those gears in your head
Now he greases them up

The lyrics on the album really are great.

One thing I've been wondering about Hospice is whether or not it's a concept album. Do all of the songs connect to tell one story, or are they just a collection of songs that revolve around the same theme (living with and taking care of a mentally and physically ill person). It seems like they could be meant to tell one story, but Bear would throw it off. Do you know if they might have said anything about that in an interview or something?

[oddwithoutend]

The lyrics on the album really are great.

One thing I've been wondering about Hospice is whether or not it's a concept album. Do all of the songs connect to tell one story, or are they just a collection of songs that revolve around the same theme (living with and taking care of a mentally and physically ill person). It seems like they could be meant to tell one story, but Bear would throw it off. Do you know if they might have said anything about that in an interview or something?

I'm pretty sure it's a concept album about a loved one dying in a hospital. Not sure if they've ever came out and said that in an interview though. Heartbreaking story, anyways.

[wtfmates]

I'm pretty sure it's a concept album about a loved one dying in a hospital. Not sure if they've ever came out and said that in an interview though. Heartbreaking story, anyways.

Hmm, concept album is what I've thought it was as well, and until they say otherwise, that's what it is to me.

And, yeah, it's heartbreaking. A couple of the songs made me a tad teary eyed the first time I listened to them whilst reading the lyrics. I feel my masculinity fading away as I admit this. Kettering, Wake, and Epilogue are definitely huge downers.

[oddwithoutend]

Hmm, concept album is what I've thought it was as well, and until they say otherwise, that's what it is to me.

And, yeah, it's heartbreaking. A couple of the songs made me a tad teary eyed the first time I listened to them whilst reading the lyrics. I feel my masculinity fading away as I admit this. Kettering, Wake, and Epilogue are definitely huge downers.

I would say those three are the saddest, too. Especially the end of "Wake".

Don't ever let anyone tell you you deserve that

[bard]

thirteen is incredible

[wtfmates]

I would say those three are the saddest, too. Especially the end of "Wake".

Don't ever let anyone tell you you deserve that

Oh, yes, that is beautifully depressing.

Then there's the way he sings

"You're screaming,
and cursing,
and angry,
and hurting me,
and then smiling,
and crying,
apologizing."

in epilogue.

This album is so awesome.

[IWasaCamera]

Decent album.

[ThemChains]

Antlers from Richmond are better.

[wtfmates]

Antlers from Richmond are better.

I'm going to disagree.

[Feeney]

Some of the lyrics are really depressing. Sylvia an introduction is a beautiful song.

[DejaNew]

Hospice is alright, but it doesn't do anything for me.

[Osto]

It's pretty much the best album I've heard in a long time. My only complaint is that I wish his vocals were slightly higher in the mix. There are so many great lines but you really have to focus to hear most of them. I'm happy for them that they got best new music'd on Pitchfork, they'll get the recognition they deserve.

[Undue Noise]

From what I know, the album has been fairly overlooked this year. It's one of my favourites so far, and I think there's a lot of people out there who would love this band if they gave them a chance. Recommended to those who are bored of Death Cab for Cutie, and want better gentle, emotional music.
I agree, I think a lot more people would like them if introduced to them. Hospice is probably my AOTY so far.

[oddwithoutend]

Hospice is still one of the best releases this year.

[xJesusFreakx]

I still haven't gotten this album yet. Aren't they releasing it later this year or something?

[oddwithoutend]

I still haven't gotten this album yet. Aren't they releasing it later this year or something?

The rerelease is out, man. Well worth the purchase, too.

[xJesusFreakx]

The rerelease is out, man. Well worth the purchase, too.

Oh, sweet. I'll have to check it out sometime soon.

[oddwithoutend]

Mos def

[ThemChains]

This still stands true:

Antlers from Richmond are better.

[oddwithoutend]

Listening to Hospice straight through, lyric booklet in hand. Music appreciation doesn't get much better than this, unless you have Boards of Canada or something...

[Dagless]

Finally got around to ordering a physical copy of Hospice a few days ago. Looking forward to its arrival.

[oddwithoutend]

The physical copy has its perks for sure.

[Osto]

Spining that wax right now. Have any of you heard the In the Attic of the Universe EP? Also awesome.

[oddwithoutend]

Hospice remains one of the best releases of the year.

[DejaNew]

Hospice is a grower, and it's begun it's growing on me.

[ThemChains]

Antlers from Richmond is better.

[Chromefox]

Gave in to curiosity. Listening to Hospice now.

EDIT: Album is gorgeous. Purchased.

[Chromefox]

I want to hear this album again terribly, but it just doesn't feel right if I don't keep to tradition and wait for my copy. :-d

[ThemChains]

lWhJrpVBU6U

[oddwithoutend]

I want to hear this album again terribly, but it just doesn't feel right if I don't keep to tradition and wait for my copy. :-d

haha Ryan has a grudge against this album ever since I said it was better than all DCFC albums. Glad you're enjoying it.

[Chromefox]

haha Ryan has a grudge against this album ever since I said it was better than all DCFC albums. Glad you're enjoying it. I know, I remember that incident. I will make him see the light. I know he will love this album.

Also, it IS better than any Death Cab album I've heard. Don't tell him I said that though. Doghouse. :-d

[oddwithoutend]

haha Yeah, he'd definitely enjoy it if he gave it a chance.

[Chromefox]

Don't even worry about it. I've got it covered. ;-)

[boxingwithstars]

i think Hospice is going to end up somewhere in my top 5 for the year. it's not really an album you want to listen to over and over again, it's something that i can only stand to hear when i'm in a particular mood. but it's so beautiful.

[oddwithoutend]

i think Hospice is going to end up somewhere in my top 5 for the year. it's not really an album you want to listen to over and over again, it's something that i can only stand to hear when i'm in a particular mood. but it's so beautiful.

Yes, one of its main shortcomings is how straightforward the story is. The ease at which the listener can discern what's going on at any point in the album actually detracts from its replay value. But, as you mentioned, still very beautiful and one of the best releases of the year.

[bard]

the antlers are opening for minus the bear in fort worth early next month. i might go, but it's like $17 which is high for a show that small.

[Chromefox]

I was wrong, Rick.

But I still love it, if that counts for anything.

[briewer]

I still don't "get" Hospice. It's currently sitting in that limbo between "I just haven't listened to it in the right circumstances" and "it's just completely unengaging."

[oddwithoutend]

I was wrong, Rick.

But I still love it, if that counts for anything.
It does. :-)
I still don't "get" Hospice. It's currently sitting in that limbo between "I just haven't listened to it in the right circumstances" and "it's just completely unengaging."
That really surprises me.

[Osto]

I still don't "get" Hospice. It's currently sitting in that limbo between "I just haven't listened to it in the right circumstances" and "it's just completely unengaging."

The first few songs are probably the most inaccessble. Try to give the last few songs more listens, particularly Two and on.

[oddwithoutend]

The first few songs are probably the most inaccessble. Try to give the last few songs more listens, particularly Two and on.

True, but some of the best aspects of the album can only be appreciated through a listen from start to finish (e.g, recurring melodies, story-like approach, etc.)

[bard]

True, but some of the best aspects of the album can only be appreciated through a listen from start to finish (e.g, recurring melodies, story-like approach, etc.)
yeah, this is one of those albums that are best taken as a whole, and not skipping around the singles and whatnot.

still one of my favorites from this year.

[tawtaw]

I'd like this album so much more if the vocals didn't make it seem like it's trying too hard to be sad.

[Osto]

True, but some of the best aspects of the album can only be appreciated through a listen from start to finish (e.g, recurring melodies, story-like approach, etc.)


I definately agree that the album works better as a whole, for obvious reasons. However, for strictly just introducing someone to the band, especially someone who's already on the fence, It's worth noting that the last few songs are more sonically accessible. I have a few friends who would have otherwise enjoyed the album instantly if their introduction hadn't been to his unexpected falsetto on Kettering and the not always immediately grabbing Sylvia and Atrophy. By the time Bear comes around they've lost interest.

[theguy77]

i listened to Hospice again. the album is great aesthetically, better than i originally gave it credit for, but ultimately, the almost complete lack of instrumental/vocal variety and development underneath those textures and atmospheres makes the album really drag on for me. the vocal rhythms sound incredibly similar throughout the album, and while the music is atmospherically beautiful, its instrumentally very bland; a lot of the time they're merely playing chords, and pretty simple ones at that, which is something that will always bore me in music. hell, albums like the one in my avatar are my favorites simply because of the amount of instrumental variety; all the details keep me engaged and enthralled by the composition, and as long as the core songwriting is good, more instrumental variety can only enhance it in most cases.

i also agree with others in the idea that their music is very delicate and they do a very good job expressively with a pianissimo dynamic, but i'd be more impressed by it if they contrasted it with other dynamics in a thematic sense instead of doing that for nearly the entire record. of the few times when there was a contrast, like in the hooks of "bear" and the chorus of "sylvia", it was more of an abrupt change that they performed in order to conspicuously separate different parts of the song structure, rather than a thematic one like i would have preferred. i do understand that the reason why they mostly remained so soft, was to model their music after the silent despair that you suffer in a sterile, vacant waiting room when a loved one is dying in a hospital; but this is unfortunately a case where adhering the music to the lyrics/concept with this much devotion actually takes away from how interesting it is musically for me.

so all in all, in a lot of ways i commend the antlers for an aesthetic success and a fairly well orchestrated "album experience", but instrumentally the songs simply dont hold enough weight to keep me coming back.

[Carry The Zero]

The songs that they recorded for Daytrotter are phenomenal: http://www.daytrotter.com/dt/the-antlers-concert/20030956-37381940.html
I can't think of a better album that has come out this year than Hospice.

[alice+interiors]

Anybody seen these guys live? Recommended?

[Osto]

Anybody seen these guys live? Recommended?

Definately go out of your way to see them live. They were great opening for Frightened Rabbit.

[bard]

wrote about the antlers and grandaddy in my new blog post, check it out:

http://www.absolutepunk.net/journal.php?do=showcomments&j=28451&e=237512

[Chromefox]

Can anyone tell me about the first album?

[alice+interiors]

Can anyone tell me about the first album?
No albums/releases prior to Hospice were written or recorded as a band, merely the singer under The Antlers' moniker.

[briewer]

I still don't "get" Hospice. It's currently sitting in that limbo between "I just haven't listened to it in the right circumstances" and "it's just completely unengaging."
Yeah, I 'got' it by now.

[Chromefox]

No albums/releases prior to Hospice were written or recorded as a band, merely the singer under The Antlers' moniker. I know, I was hoping to hear about whether that first album is any good or not, haha.

Yeah, I 'got' it by now. Oh? How so?

[jbertclassic]

While I was skeptical at first, its safe to say I'm a Hospice fan.

[briewer]

Oh? How so?
I usually listen to music while on my computer through my stereo, and for some reason it just never caught my attention that way. So I tried it on headphones and ended up loving it.

Completely off topic, but for some reason when you, and specifically only you, quote me I don't get any notification from AP. Weird.

[musikjunky311]

I think this colder Iowa weather is making this album hit all the right spots.

[Chromefox]

Completely off topic, but for some reason when you, and specifically only you, quote me I don't get any notification from AP. Weird. Are you sure it's not because I edited your post in? I've noticed that happen to me with edited posts previously.

Glad you enjoy it. To be fair, I haven't heard many of 09's releases, but this is my favourite that I have.

[briewer]

Are you sure it's not because I edited your post in? I've noticed that happen to me with edited posts previously.

Glad you enjoy it. To be fair, I haven't heard many of 09's releases, but this is my favourite that I have.
Huh. It worked that time. I don't know, like a month or so back you quoted me like three times in a roll or something when we were having a conversation and for some reason none of them appeared. I thought because it happened again that there was some kind of pattern. But yeah, Hospice is definitely one of my favorites from this year, probably top five.

[Feeney]

Can anyone tell me about the first album?

In the Attic of the Universe is a decent album. Overall not great but it's got a few good songs. I liked the New York Hospitals EP especcially the song Sylvia. Neither of them are anywhere close to Hospice though.

[Chromefox]

In the Attic of the Universe is a decent album. Overall not great but it's got a few good songs. I liked the New York Hospitals EP especcially the song Sylvia. Neither of them are anywhere close to Hospice though. Pity, but I still consider it worth hearing to be educated on.

I picked up the EPs too.

[Feeney]

Pity, but I still consider it worth hearing to be educated on.

I picked up the EPs too.

Definitely worth hearing. In the Attic of the Universe is what got me in to the antlers in the first place so I'm grateful to it for that. But I rarely if ever find myself returning to it, while I'm constantly returning to Hospice. (but now that you've gotten me thinking about it again I might have to give it a spin)

[jbertclassic]

I think this colder Iowa weather is making this album hit all the right spots.
It's a great cold weather album!

In the Attic of the Universe is a decent album. Overall not great but it's got a few good songs. I liked the New York Hospitals EP especcially the song Sylvia. Neither of them are anywhere close to Hospice though.
The same Sylvia that made Hospice I'm assuming?

[Feeney]

The same Sylvia that made Hospice I'm assuming?

A different one actually. I just looked it up and it's actually called Sylvia an Introduction. My bad. But I like it more then the Sylvia that's on Hospice.

http://www.myspace.com/theantlers third song from the bottom.

[jbertclassic]

A different one actually. I just looked it up and it's actually called Sylvia an Introduction. My bad. But I like it more then the Sylvia that's on Hospice.

http://www.myspace.com/theantlers third song from the bottom.
Oh how interesting. I'll have to check it out since Sylvia is one of my Hospice favorites. Thanks

[jbertclassic]

It actually has the same lyrics and the same melody appears a few times (as far as I can tell with these crappy library headphones). Good stuff.

[kearn1tm]

Shiva is a really good track. The rest of Hospice doesn't do much for me.

[Osto]

Easily my favorite album of the year. I'm absolutely awestruck that anyone can find it anything less than fantastic.

[Chromefox]

I just hit two people with Hospice in the same night, and they both absolutely love it. I'm pleased.

[GuitarR0cker1]

I still haven't listened to Hospice. I've got to get on that, from what I've heard it sounds like a great album.

[Chromefox]

I still haven't listened to Hospice. I've got to get on that, from what I've heard it sounds like a great album. Please do so. Now. You won't regret it. Trust me.

[Osto]

I still haven't listened to Hospice. I've got to get on that, from what I've heard it sounds like a great album.

Please keep in mind that it works better as a whole piece of work and not just a collection of songs, although if you were to judge each song individually, the last four are the best and easiest to appreciate. So don't let the first few inaccessible tracks make up your mind if you're not immediately into it.

[kearn1tm]

Easily my favorite album of the year. I'm absolutely awestruck that anyone can find it anything less than fantastic.

Why?

[briewer]

Why?
I think what he means is, "Todd, I am awestruck by you. Also, you find this record less than fantastic." It's a compliment, now thank him for it.

[Chop[chop]]

This album deserved to be a lot higher in many end of year lists.

[Osto]

I mean, obviously I'm a little biased because I'm a huge fan of the album. But all personal influence aside, the album is undeniably a great piece of work. From the thematic execution of the concept and flow of the record to Silbermen's exceptional lyricism and vocal performance the album is just masterfully crafted and beautiful to listen to. It's be hard to justify thinking otherwise. The songwriting is miles ahead of most of the other hyped bands of this year, its a shame they've recieved a similar or greater amount of acclaim.

[kearn1tm]

I mean, obviously I'm a little biased because I'm a huge fan of the album. But all personal influence aside, the album is undeniably a great piece of work. From the thematic execution of the concept and flow of the record to Silbermen's exceptional lyricism and vocal performance the album is just masterfully crafted and beautiful to listen to. It's be hard to justify thinking otherwise. The songwriting is miles ahead of most of the other hyped bands of this year, its a shame they've recieved a similar or greater amount of acclaim.

How is it undeniably? You think this because of personal influence. That's fine. I think many albums I love are great, but it's not undeniable, and it's certainly because of personal influence.

[Osto]

All I'm trying to say is that it would be very difficult to downplay the album as anything less than great. The album contains countless factors that are commonly critically acclaimed and praised on many other acclaimed albums that more than warrant the critical praise here.

[GuitarR0cker1]

So I just listened to Hospice a few times and it's pretty delicious.

[tawtaw]

I still think it's a pretty cheap attempt at tugging the old heartstrings. I love Bear, Kettering, Wake and one or two others, but even still it comes across as so forced to me.

[IWasaCamera]

All I'm trying to say is that it would be very difficult to downplay the album as anything less than great. The album contains countless factors that are commonly critically acclaimed and praised on many other acclaimed albums that more than warrant the critical praise here.
I don't see why. The presence/prominence of these supposed factors is entirely subject to perception.

[briewer]

I don't see why. The presence/prominence of these supposed factors is entirely subject to perception.
Vinh: tellin' it like it is.

[Osto]

Obviously, when it comes down to the real defining factor whether an album is good or not it's completely subject to perception/personal opinion. However, there are certain generalities of music culture that competely defy that logic to justfy the whole idea of critiquing and rating something's quality. For example, there is a great deal of people out there that absolutely love Nickelback and would call them a great band. With that logic defending their statements all one can state is that it's a difference of perception/opinion. I could flip my point over and declare Nickelback's music terrible because it contains aspects of music songwriting that we as a society consider terrible on other albums. Someone could then say "hey, you can't call it terrible because it's different for everyone." And yes, with that logic, it's completely true, you could easily defend Nickelback as fantastic music.

Now I didn't mean to give myself the authority to make as bold a statement to put Hospice on some pedestal...I get a little carried away sometimes, but when applying the non-logic of music culture, the one that actually exists, Hospice has everything in it that if it were found on another critically acclaimed artist's record it would receive the praise it warrants now.

[Chromefox]

Hospice is critically acclaimed.

[s.t.e.v.e.n.]

Obviously, when it comes down to the real defining factor whether an album is good or not it's completely subject to perception/personal opinion. However, there are certain generalities of music culture that competely defy that logic to justfy the whole idea of critiquing and rating something's quality. For example, there is a great deal of people out there that absolutely love Nickelback and would call them a great band. With that logic defending their statements all one can state is that it's a difference of perception/opinion. I could flip my point over and declare Nickelback's music terrible because it contains aspects of music songwriting that we as a society consider terrible on other albums. Someone could then say "hey, you can't call it terrible because it's different for everyone." And yes, with that logic, it's completely true, you could easily defend Nickelback as fantastic music.

Now I didn't mean to give myself the authority to make as bold a statement to put Hospice on some pedestal...I get a little carried away sometimes, but when applying the non-logic of music culture, the one that actually exists, Hospice has everything in it that if it were found on another critically acclaimed artist's record it would receive the praise it warrants now.
:explode:

I'll be giving Hospice a revisit before the year ends. Kinda bored me on first listen.

[arson]

I really liked Hospice. The way the record flowed and the concept/lyrics were unique. Listening to this record makes me sad though.

[IWasaCamera]

Now I didn't mean to give myself the authority to make as bold a statement to put Hospice on some pedestal...I get a little carried away sometimes, but when applying the non-logic of music culture, the one that actually exists, Hospice has everything in it that if it were found on another critically acclaimed artist's record it would receive the praise it warrants now.
Again, according to you and those who enjoy the record. One can't simply speak for all listeners and claim that the "thematic execution of the concept and flow of the record" are objectively stellar. Same for the "exceptional lyricism". Any praise artists garner is based on personal impressions of quality, not some vague universal standard no one is capable of defining. The Nickelback fans are just as valid in their views as the indie kids whose hearstrings are tugged by Silberman's voice.

I'm really puzzled by this "Hospice is undeniably great" sentiment.

[xJesusFreakx]

http://pitchfork.com/forkcast/13895-bear/

Music video for "Bear." Meh. With an album so completely focused on the central story and themes like Hospice, why would they then make a video like this? I mean, especially with the lyrics of "Bear." They could have made a video to compliment the story in the lyrics so easily, and it would have been so effective.

[NewJawn]

The Hospice follow up has leaked. Download Burst Apart here... http://newjawn.com/2011/04/25/the-antlers-burst-apart/

Shit is great!!!

[progjay]

Amazing album is amazing

[TachyonEvan]

Definitely my AOTY so far. Can't stop listening.

[fifpb99]

just discovered hospice...fucking love it. gonna spin this quite a few more times before i move on to their newest release, though. what an awesome fucking album.

[topher465]

Burst Apart is incredible. Dang. Maybe because it just happened to hit me in the right mood, but this album is depressingly haunting and perfect.

[perfectstranger]

Burst Apart wore thin for me pretty fast. No Windows, Corsicana and Putting The Dog To Sleep are pretty good tracks but I don't feel drawn to the album any more after only about 3 or 4 listens.

[thesollopsist]

Corsicana is so good