When a band’s self-released LP’s are greeted with critical acclaim, that’s when you know that once your ears are engulfed in the independent sounds, an explosion of wonder will obliterate your present mindset. Since 2008, American post rock five-piece, The Dandelion War, have been infiltrating avid fans minds with their sweet, atmospheric odes to indie, taking the form of their self-released debut and sophomore album Geometries and Orchids and We Were Always Loyal to Lost Causes. Six years strong and The Dandelion War are gearing up to release their self-released third studio album; the astonishingly aesthetic Opposite Shores.
Hailing from Oakland, California, The Dandelion War‘s third studio album and second self-released record, Opposite Shores, opens with the lethargic ‘Navegantes‘. A track which wouldn’t go amiss on Coldplay‘s Mylo Xyloto; ‘Navegantes‘ is a graceful mood-setting opening track, pairing subtle calmness with an almighty juxtaposed crescendo.
Since contrast is the typical stamp attached to The Dandelion War; it’s no surprise that following tracks ‘Wandering Ships‘ and ‘Bridge Keeper‘ completely oppose the opening track. Casting Opposite Shores into a new, unseen light; ‘Bridge Keeper’ features a heart-felt chorus of voices creating an atmosphere so relaxed, sleep can gently be seen on the eyelids of the listener.
Fourth track, ‘Lights Underwater‘, seems to also have the same sluggish appeal to begin with. However, these previous conceptions are proved to be incorrect when the track roars into an eerie celebration of pure post-rock. Being the first dramatic offering of The Dandelion War’s specified genre; ‘Lights Underwater‘ is the serious, stand-out, elongated landmark residing within the bands third album. Opposite Shores radiates a tremendous amount of power and it has ‘Lights Underwater‘ to thank for its dominance.
With the climax of Opposite Shores subsiding, exploding beauty washes over the listener, thanks to both penultimate and final tracks ‘Las Olas‘ and ‘Soon The Sun Will Rise’. With ‘Las Olas’ featuring the signature tranquil VS upsurge of The Dandelion War and ‘Soon The Sun Will Rise‘ expelling elegant beauty; the band end their faultless album on an emotional high. Once Opposite Shores ebbs away into the folding silence; you’re allowed to recover your breath and realise things may never be the same again.
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