Rating: NN
On release after release, Tim Kasher’s vocals are aggressively pushed to the forefront, commanding our attention and forcing us to consider his lyrics. He does it again on the uncomfortably titled Mama, I’m Swollen. If the words and melodies are compelling, we’ll take notice, so why hammer us over the head?
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Kasher has zero ability to or interest in dialing down his drama and giving Cursive’s highbrow emo rock room to breathe. Even mellower tunes like Donkeys eventually dissolve into histrionics. This tactic worked wonderfully on 2000’s breakup examination, Domestica, and on the painfully self-referential Burst And Bloom EP. Several records later, it’s oppressive. Lighten up already. It’s just indie rock.
Top track: Caveman
Cursive hit the Horseshoe August 1.
