Seattle’s art-core outfit These Arms Are Snakes never really fit in anywhere. Over the course of their 2003 debut EP they vacillated between epileptic fits of ‘90s DIY post-hardcore, woozy narcotic jam-outs, fortified classic rock riffage, and slow-churning cataclysmic dirges. The band continued on a path made even more confusing but undeniably invigorating by the jarring synth hooks and four-on-the-floor pulse of their first album Oxeneers and the prog-rock forays of their sophomore full-length Easter. When it came time to record their final album Tail Swallower & Dove, the band was less interested in charting out new territories and more focused on turning their myriad of approaches into one cohesive sound. From the chugging thrust and Heldon-esque breakdown of dueling synth and guitars on “Woolen Heirs," to the jagged noise rock of “Red Line Season," to the 8-bit sludge of “Lucifer," to the climactic twang-and-crunch of side closers “Ethric Double” and “Briggs," These Arms Are Snakes managed to retain their broad palette of sound while reigning it all in to a cohesive style that continues to defy categorization.
Tracklist
Wollen Heirs 4:15
Prince Squid 3:18
Red Line Season 2:33
Lucifer 2:36
Ethric Double 7:32
Seven Curtains 5:15
Long And Lonley Step 2:34
Lead Beater 4:20
Cavity Carousel 4:35
Briggs 6:51