By: Wanbli
For Against: Shade Side Sunny Side
(Words On Music 2008)
I had hoped, before going out of town for about eleven days starting tomorrow morning, to complete a review of Shade Side Sunny Side by For Against. Officially released on April 8 but shipped to pre-order customers already a couple of weeks ago, it's the seventh full-length from America's finest purveyor of shoegazey dream-pop ever so far in the 24 years since they were first formed in Nebraska by the vocalist and bassist Jeffrey Runnings. But all I'm able to do is to give a quick rundown. Shade Side Sunny Side isn't quite the classic that For Against's finest achievement December is. But that doesn't mean it's not a damn fine record. In a year that's already seen a number of strong releases, it's among the best for me so far. What you get is a masterly balance of varied sonic textures, running from the post-punk stomp of the opening track "Glamour" (in the comments) to the atmospheric pop of the follow-up track "Underestimate" (reminiscent of the 2002 album Coalesced) to the fierce guitars (which are overall the stronger for the return of the original guitarist Harry Dingman III) on "Aftertaste" (under the red button). I don't have much yet to say about the lyrics, except that many of them seem to be reflections on the death of someone close to (perhaps a family member of?) the chief lyricist Runnings. This theme is particularly apparent on "Game Over" which winds through the first verse and chorus uncharacteristically with only a piano backing and builds up from there only with the greatest, most delicate restraint. Most of these strands come together, even if not altogether successfully, on "Quiet Please," which begins with tender Chameleons-style instrumental stylings and slowly transforms into propulsive three-chord riffing. Also included is a cover of "Friendly Fires" by Section 25 (one of the early Factory Records bands). I know many shoegeezers on MOG who will rarely get a better deal than the $11 that it costs to order this record directly from Words On Music. Shade Side Sunny Side comes strongly recommended from me.
(Words On Music 2008)
I had hoped, before going out of town for about eleven days starting tomorrow morning, to complete a review of Shade Side Sunny Side by For Against. Officially released on April 8 but shipped to pre-order customers already a couple of weeks ago, it's the seventh full-length from America's finest purveyor of shoegazey dream-pop ever so far in the 24 years since they were first formed in Nebraska by the vocalist and bassist Jeffrey Runnings. But all I'm able to do is to give a quick rundown. Shade Side Sunny Side isn't quite the classic that For Against's finest achievement December is. But that doesn't mean it's not a damn fine record. In a year that's already seen a number of strong releases, it's among the best for me so far. What you get is a masterly balance of varied sonic textures, running from the post-punk stomp of the opening track "Glamour" (in the comments) to the atmospheric pop of the follow-up track "Underestimate" (reminiscent of the 2002 album Coalesced) to the fierce guitars (which are overall the stronger for the return of the original guitarist Harry Dingman III) on "Aftertaste" (under the red button). I don't have much yet to say about the lyrics, except that many of them seem to be reflections on the death of someone close to (perhaps a family member of?) the chief lyricist Runnings. This theme is particularly apparent on "Game Over" which winds through the first verse and chorus uncharacteristically with only a piano backing and builds up from there only with the greatest, most delicate restraint. Most of these strands come together, even if not altogether successfully, on "Quiet Please," which begins with tender Chameleons-style instrumental stylings and slowly transforms into propulsive three-chord riffing. Also included is a cover of "Friendly Fires" by Section 25 (one of the early Factory Records bands). I know many shoegeezers on MOG who will rarely get a better deal than the $11 that it costs to order this record directly from Words On Music. Shade Side Sunny Side comes strongly recommended from me.
Posted on 03/19/2008
Comments
Comment on this Post
Login using email and password below.
Latest Posts on For Against
Posted on 01/16/2007
My Trusted MOGs
And so here's "Glamour":
My Trusted MOGs
Ooooh, yummy! I like the tracks you've selected.
My Trusted MOGs
Oh my, "Glamour" is totally taking over. Swoon. And they do "Friendly Fires" too?!? Homina x3
My Trusted MOGs
Sounds great. Very early 90's. Thanks for introducing me to them.
My Trusted MOGs
Thanks for the introduction. I thought I was doing fairly well at keeping up with music this year. Just goes to show, there's too much to keep track of.
My Trusted MOGs
Hot stuff. Had only heard dribs and drabs of them before. Didn't know they were Nebraskan. It must get pretty painful out there in the Bread Basket of America. And 24 years?!? Are you kidding? Guess they're still going strong. They really must be in it for the art, not the fame and money. Kudos!
My Trusted MOGs
goodness me, this is mighty fine. i've had random mp3s of For Against around '99 to '02 but for some reason hadn't followed through. but i'm going to try to get the new album and find December. thanks and enjoy your trip!
My Trusted MOGs
An astute review. I hear echoes of the "Forrest" in the first track but perhaps it's just an aural illusion. -- From your review, I take you're back in the M-O-S.
My Trusted MOGs
Have 'For Against' coming to Atlanta on Saturday November 8 at the Earl with Springhouse (jack rabid's big takeover) opening up. Get tickets while they last at www.badearl.com
Shade side Sunny side is the best cd of 2008 bar none. This is their only southern show and have never been here. They are coming just for this one off show as are Springhouse.