Subtle - Exiting Arm (Lex)
4/5
By: Andrew Misuraca
Subtle are better than you. Subtle are better than us all. They're better because they don't proclaim the death of rock or the stagnancy of hip-hop and go up their arses to attempt a change. Instead they take all that is bad and all that is good and make it better. They're better because Doseone scours the corners of our minds picking up the words we don't use and the thoughts we don't acknowledge and applies them to lines with such frightening skill and panache you wonder how he makes it from one song to the next without suffering a cerebral haemorrhage. Jel's fingers are magical working in perfect harmony with Jordan Dalrymple's drums and the overall musicianship of Dax Pierson, Alexander Kort and Marty Dowers puts Subtle above one hell of a lot of inferior bands which includes you or me or anyone we know that makes music. Put simply, Subtle are visionaries. If you can't appreciate Subtle you're scared. That or you don't actually like music. You just say you do. You probably like the Hollyoaks theme tune. I see you tapping your foot.
As awesome as A New White was it seemed awkward in places. It didn't flow in the right way. For Hero: For Fool stepped it up, bringing Dose and Jel's hip-hop roots back to the frontline and infusing it with a layer of grit, they started to sound real, more comfortable. Where Exiting Arm triumphs is in its variety, its versatility, building on everything they've done before and elevating. Rhythmically, melodically, there are few players today that can do what they do. The choppy stomp of 'The No' hurts it's so good, taking what is in essence a fairly predictable chord structure and subjecting it to their digital scalpel. I don't know how they can reproduce that guitar sound live and it's testament to the proficiency of their vision. There's not a weak track on the album and each one is uniquely Subtle.
The only problem with Subtle is that they're so far ahead of everyone else some may find them inaccessible. As far as experimental music goes, they nail it, destroying the gap between form and melodic content. There are few that can hold a candle to bands like this and most of those that can have been involved with them in some capacity, whether through collaboration or sharing a label. One of the most consistent records of the year and more than worthy of you ears.
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