The last time a new BIG|BRAVE album came out (which was not that long ago), there was almost a scuffle that broke out in the household over who got the rights to it.  This time, we tried a more diplomatic approach, because Angela started whining Ian values Angela’s input on all things, and so we bring you another joint review for this, the Canadian trio’s seventh studio album and fourth release in five years.  Despite the tear they have been on, A Chaos of Flowers explores a different side of the project, focusing more on poetry and delivery.

A Chaos of Flowers draws influence from unexpected sources, with vocalist/guitarist Robin Wattie diving into and borrowing from poetry specifically written by female-presenting poets from throughout history and across cultures.  “I discovered that most poems from folk traditions or in the public domain seem to be by men – to which I could not quite relate.  In my search, I rediscovered some of my favorite works and poets,” says Wattie of her inspiration.  Wattie borrows words and draws from these untapped sources to create an emotive and powerful statement on isolation, marginalization, intimacy, and madness.  The rest of the band also switches up their repertoire of tricks to match the new energy.  Sonically, there is a much sharper focus on the lyrics and the vocals.  Where fuzz and feedback have been the focal point for previous releases, they act more as accents and punctuation for the lines that Wattie delivers.  Not to fret: there are still plenty of noise and juicy, fuzzed out guitar tones, but the heart of the album is the poetry being recited in front of you and it is powerful.  BIG|BRAVE have always been singular in their use of space and silence as a tool in their compositions, yet in A Chaos of Flowers there seems to be even more space in between the notes allowing listeners to digest the words and take in the meaning.  Tasy Hudson’s drums sound more delicate, with emphasis on light cymbals and brushwork instead of thumping toms and crashes.  It is perhaps a different, more subdued BIG|BRAVE than you might expect, but with the pace that they have been keeping, one cannot expect them to put out the same album over and over again.  And trust us, this is just as good as you’d expect it to be.

The album opens with lead single “I Felt a Funeral,” which brings a classic Emily Dickinson poem to life over sludgy, droning fuzz and the requisite pounding drums that BIG|BRAVE are known for.  As always, the production on the album gives the feeling of deep intimacy, as if you are there live next to the blaring amplifiers, but there is something very raw about the delivery of the lyrics that adds a new level of connection to Wattie.  Her vocals are much clearer and more melodic, and even the way she enunciates and croons feels reinvigorated.  “Chanson Pour Mon Ombre” features her singing in French, borrowing from a poem by Renée Vivien while guitarist Mathieu Ball switches to acoustic guitar to accentuate the dark, brooding words.  The album also makes use of an instrumental interlude in the form of “Song for Marie, Part III,” which effectively uses silence and minimalism to give you a chance to reflect on all the heavy tones and wailing vocals.  The album closes with “Moonset,” which we agree is our favorite song on the album because it brings together both sides of BIG|BRAVE into an emotional and memorable experience that provides the capstone for another stellar release from a band that does not miss.

A Chaos of Flowers is not an album that is meant to be background music.  It demands your attention, and it demands you pick it apart and examine it carefully.  Angela thinks the direction the band took on this album makes it one of her favorite BIG|BRAVE albums, and she really resonates with the source material and inspiration.  She welled up a few times listening to it.  Ian thinks that a more subtle BIG|BRAVE is just as effective as when they crank their amps up to eleven and blast it.  Listening to this album is an exercise in human connection: as Wattie puts it, “We’re alone, and yet, not.”

-Ian and Angela

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A Chaos of Flowers will be available April 19 on Thrill Jockey Records.  For more information on BIG|BRAVE, visit their official website.