CLAIR DE LUNE's Assisted Living continues this Minneapolis quintet's emphasis on social commentary - substance abuse, governmental deceit and consumer greed - and entwines it with their intensely passionate, kinetic indie rock bombast. The result is an album's worth of bruising yet beautiful anthems and more unpredictable twists and turns than most bands can muster in a lifetime. Although CLAIR DE LUNE draws from punk's raucous urgency, emo's textured dynamics and hardcore's reckless breakdowns, they never succumb to stereotypes and Assisted Living's passion is matched only by its eagerness to experiment with new sounds.
Assisted Living is like two freight trains on an inevitable collision course: one engine spewing white-knuckled riffs, a throbbing rhythm section and anthemic call-and-response vocals; the other powered by warm keys washing over the more introspective moments which provide the framework to songs like “Criminal” and the album's title track. The record's beauty is not in the collision itself but rather in the uniquely orchestrated chaos of the aftermath. Sure, listening to the band members ricochet musical ideas off one another is a rush, but wrapping your head around CLAIR DE LUNE’s ambitious arrangements is simply hypnotizing.
CLAIR DE LUNE is a force to be reckoned with…a force whose quieter moments speak just as loudly as those occupied by the unrestrained whirlwind blasts the band has become known for. They have no doubt upped the ante on their already astonishing songwriting prowess. Assisted Living thrives as a study in contrasts: controlled fury, beautiful cacophony and sentimental anger.
“A work of art...experimental post-hardcore for the literate listener. KKKK.” - Kerrang
“I'm amazed by the vision and scope of Clair De Lune...Simply astonishing.” - Aiding & Abetting
“CDL knocked me off my feet...heavy, smart, danceable, and energetic, this has it all.” - Pastepunk
“Aching with real pent up fury and angst...CDL rattles the walls while dropping jaws.” - Jersey Beat
CLAIR DE LUNE is Justin Burckhard (vocals, guitar), Adam Roddy (vocals, keyboards), Tom Caughlan (guitar), Jon Herr (bass) and Ben Johnston (drums). Assisted Living (DER-456) was recorded and produced by Joe Mabbott and the band at The Hideaway Studio in their hometown of Minneapolis, MN. CLAIR DE LUNE’s critically acclaimed debut full-length Marionettes (DER-438) is also available from Deep Elm.
CLAIR DE LUNE’s Assisted Living is the first of several titles offered exclusively via Deep Elm mail order (http://www.deepelm.com/order/) as well as digitally. The album will not be available in traditional retail stores. To encourage digital sales, a limited edition pressing of only 1,000 CDs will be available. Digital music stores, including Tunes, will offer a bonus track “Shadow Companion” not available on the CD version of the album.
Recommended For Fans of: At The Drive In, Sparta, Juno, No Knife, The White Octave
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