Search - Ariel Kill Him :: In the Pyramid

Ariel Kill Him's Most Compelling And Strikingly Different Ef

LeftManOut | TheCityThatNeverSleeps, FL | 01/21/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"While "Alpha Is Down" still remains my favorite recording from David (and it is the essential AKH album), "In The Pyramid" was above and beyond my furthest expectations for what this man could do musically. It's true that ITP is Ariel Kill Him's most broad and ambitious work, yet everything that is attempted on this album hits the highest note. Every emotional aspect and sonic range of sound has been covered on "In The Pyramid", and that's what makes it such and enjoyable listen. Beautifully poetic lyrics, hypnotizing melodies, magnificent song structures, passionate vocals, what more could you ask for? "In The Pyramid" has it all.



Where as the last album led off with the driving "Dynamo" (my all time favorite AKH song), "In The Pyramid" starts of subdued, slowing entrapping you with the soulful dabblings of "Seashell Eyes". After the first song it should be more or less evident what David was going for on this release; Rich, spacy atmospheres and lucius soundscapes, all while integrating his tastes of indie-pop and carefully placed electronics. "I Am Hollow" and "The Exclusive Moment Of Traveling Inside Yourself ", the album's two epics (clocking in at 7:12 and 10:00 respectively), are exceptional examples of beautiful song structure and dynamics, and David's amazing ability to integrate the listener into his world through his music. You can almost imagine yourself drifting along with songs. He doesn't disappoint fans of older material though, by adding upbeat anthems like "Not Today, Not Tomorrow", "Jimi Hendrix" and "Lepantara", all of which should sit well with any previous fan of the band. His best offerings though come when he is exploring outside the box, as evidenced by the clammering rocker "At My Favorite Place", which features distorted guitars and drums played in the background and slips in and out of cohesiveness, and the creeping "Auto Kalaha". David's lyrics continue to impress as he does a fine job of blending abstract poetry with emotional subjects. He doesn't always have to be singing about emotional topics though, as seen on "Jimi Hendrix". Basically the album is as flawless as you would expect anything from him to be. Every experiment, every left turn and every giant leep works extraordinarly well for Ariel Kill Him, and proves that David can continue to grow and evolve his music.



"In The Pyramid" comes with my highest recommendation, especially to fans of indie rock/pop. For Ariel Kill Him fans this is a must own. While it is extremely different from anything in the Ariel Kill Him catalogue (the "Labyrinths" ep would follow in its footsteps though) "In The Pyramind" is the most multi-dimensioned effort David has brought forth yet. Everything falls into place exactly as it should, and that's why this album is a pleasure every time it hits my cd player. Just be sure that you don't get lost "In The Pyramid"."