2012.07.05 The Drift - Blue Hour

Color: Dark Gray and Blue Swirl

Released: 2010, November 11

Label:  Temporary Residence Limited

I think, at this present moment, that Temporary Residence Limited may very well be my favorite record label putting out music today. While being home to a slew of excellent instrumental bands, they are also reissuing some of the finest indie rock classics (Bitch Magnet, etc) and pushing the boundaries of what is normally expected of them (Canon Blue, Dreamers Of The Ghetto). The label seems to maintain a standard of excellent packaging and offers some of the most beautiful vinyl colors. It seems like I’m posting something from TRL on this blog every few days. I was just thinking yesterday and today about the great number of releases they have put out and some of the exciting upcoming releases (ahem, new Maserati in October!) So in celebration of this great institution, here’s the latest full length by The Drift. A tough, but triumphant release for the band… The death of a close friend and band member can have a devastating effect on a band, not to mention the personal lives of all involved. The Drift picked up the pieces after the passing of member Jeff Jacobs and put together this stunning statement in celebration of his life. Equal parts pensive/meditative and tribal celebration of life. There are songs that gently breeze by… but then there are songs where the rhythm section sound like they are pounding the shit out of their instruments working out their agony over the loss of their dear friend. Some critics dismissed this release as a bit aimless and lacking the direction of former releases, but I disagree. This record is very purposeful and sounds like it came together just as it should have. This is the sound of a group of friends mourning the loss of one of their own and lifting themselves from the floor only to carry on in the face of adversity. The cover features an image an hazy and haunting as their last release but on the inside and back covers we are greeted with bright lights burring. For this release, TRL serves up some tasty dark gray and blue swirled vinyl.