Search - Tarantula Ad :: Book of Sand (Dig)

Tompee Z. (tompee) from CASTAIC, CA
Reviewed on 9/23/2007...

features devendra banhart and cocorosie

Tracklist
1.The Century Trilogy I: Conquest
2. Who Took Berlin (part i)
3. Who Took Berlin (part ii)
4. Sealake
5. The Century Trilogy II: Empire
6. Prelude to The Fall
7. The Lost Waltz
8. Riverpond
9. Palo Borracho
10. The Century Trilogy III: The Fall
11. If You Deny Me, I'll Be Lost

Amazing!

S. C. Hecko | Brooklyn, NY | 03/29/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Book of Sand is epic in scope, with styles ranging from classical to metal and charting a lot of territory in between. The songs are thoughtfully crafted with achingly beautiful violins and cellos, punishing guitars, tinkling glockenspiels, pianos dancing alone in the dark. What is perhaps most amazing to me is that Tarantula A.D. has only three members, each of whom shows a complete mastery of every instrument he plays. The use of vocals is sparse and when present functions more as an instrument. Only one song has lyrics and even they seem to be concealed by the surreal quality of their delivery.



Unlike many albums, which feature a variety of musical styles, but lack coherency, this album works brilliantly as a whole. Several of the songs surprise the listener with dramatic, yet seamless, stylistic shifts contained within the piece. Tarantula A.D. effortlessly takes the listener from prog metal to orchestral strings, from late Beatlesque moodiness to lonely piano waltzes and Spanish guitars. These songs will slam you upside the head and in your delirium send angels to tend your wounds. The overall effect is nothing short of haunting.



I was also very pleased with the way in which the final song, clocking in at over nine minutes, revisits certain motifs from songs preceding it. This strategy very effectively brings an album full circle, creating a feeling of completeness and resolution.



Needless to say, I am very excited about this band, as it has been a long time since I have felt passionately about a new album. I do feel that calling them a "band" is a disservice, as they bring a lot more to the table than most bands, and with a lot fewer members.



I hope my little review will inspire a few people to check out this Tarantula A.D."