This week I listened to Split Personalities by 12 RODS (Who I will be referring to as 12 Rods for the sake of formatting). I first heard of this band on accident. In an attempt to search for this song I heard one time, that being "Tim, Wish You Were Born a Girl" by Of, Montreal, I was served up 12 Rods song "I Wish You Were a Girl" and was entranced by the beautiful instrumental and frontman Ryan Olcott's voice singing these pretty melodies. The name of the game for this album are thick and layered instrumentals. When this album is loud, it goes all out in a total noise explosion. But, the album knows when to dial it back. For example, the song, "I Am Faster" has these haunting, quiet verses showing how they can dial it back. I think there is only a single guitar track during those parts, in stark contrast to the wall of sound that is the chorus. This album also isn't afraid to get a little weird with it. The track, "Chromatically Declining Me" sounds almost like a weird 80s Post-Punk or New Wave song during the verses with the pummelling synth bass that pairs well with these short guitar bends. The band also isn't afraid to get a little strange with the melodies, but still keeps them feeling pretty and sounding catchy. They might sing a note that might sound a little strange over the chords or the rhythm might feel a little disjointed at times, but little things like that add so much character to the album's sound. This is certainly one of the great albums of the 90s. 9/10
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