The Receiver is multi-instrumentalist Casey Cooper and his equally talented brother, drummer Jesse. Decades itself is a glimmering album, its many charms gauged to engage both musical masters and the masses alike. A number of the musical themes and progressions are returned to across the set, but each time in a different mode, some subtly changed, others more radically altered in tempo, arrangement and key. The trained musician will inevitably find these variations scintillating and inspired, but in the grander scheme, especially with the careful sequencing, it creates a sublime whole comprised of musical currents that continually ebb and flow. It also enhances the wonderfully organic feel of the album, and a sense of drifting languorously on a sea of sound, further enhanced by Cooper's almost breathy vocals, sweet and understated, but laden with emotion. Unlike most albums, Decades is best experienced as a whole rather than in its constituent parts. Heard in pieces, the set loses its magnificent flow, the subtle shifts in atmospheres, the overarching crescendos of the album's dynamics, and the internal cohesion of the musical themes. Still, some of the more willful and aggressive numbers like "Afternoon," "In Tunnels," and "Goliath" stand firmly on their own, as does the lovely, harmonic "Sober Hands." All told, Decades is a gorgeous album, filled with a richness of sound and moods, with a glowing ambience that must be heard to be believed. -All Music Guide
"The followup, the recently released Length of Arms, is better in every way, and reveals not only the expected Radiohead influences, but a beefed-up synth attack and, God help me, a love of hoary '70s prog rock that only contemporary bands like Arcade Fire and The Decemberists can pull off well. Add The Receiver to that rarefied list....In short, this is a very, very fine album. They've borrowed the best from the best, and made something entirely their own." -Paste Magazine
"9.5/10. Their latest work is one of the most textured, trippy and spacious albums of the year so far, brimming with genius instrumentation and ethereal melodies." -Stereo Subversion
"It’s like an electronic, alien orchestra...It’s rare to hear an album this artfully arranged." -The Other Paper
"These compositions are smart, intricate, and totally mentally absorbing." -Babysue
"Decades is constantly impressive and epic, carrying influences like Air, Sigur Rós, and reminders of the previously mentioned classic rock outfits. Truly, this disc is a transcendent piece of music....This is an album made by musicians who not only know that they’re breaking new ground, they level it with each step..." -transformonline.com
"Well produced and well executed, this exceptional debut will be a hit with fans of Sigur Ros, Air, Radiohead and likeminded contemporaries..." -thetripwire.com
"Decades features intricate keyboard arrangements, coupled with lush and fluid vocals. Songs like “Afternoon” and “One In” are soft and comfortable, with gentle crescendos and emotional undertones." -Amplifier Magazine
"So why should you care? For several reasons. First, Casey is a fine composer. And "composer" really is the operative word here. Decades is an album that needs to be heard as a whole, if only to hear the way Casey weaves his motifs in and out through the various songs. He's adept at the kind of symphonic post-rock synthesis that bands such as Godspeed You, Black Emperor and Sigur Ros work to perfection." -Andy Whitman, writer for Paste Magazine
"The pounding “In Tunnels” recalls at once Simian’s “Never Be Alone” and the crystalline crescendos Death Cab For Cutie have perfected, though Casey Cooper’s alternating falsetto sometimes glides in impenetrable Floydian prog-clouds." -Illinois Entertainer
"Nearly every song on the record is almost perfectly written and maintains a great balance between amazing musicianship and strong song writing." -The Daily Cardinal (Madison, WI)
Hope tour is going well! Really wish I couldve caught your show at the Darkroom!!! (Flight back into Chicago was delayed). Hope you guys come back through soon.
just listened to the new album. great job...i am going to be completley honest because i really like this band. the "live" guitarist needs to be on the album, end of story!!! your insane not to have him in there... there are some things that analog glory cannot replace
some of the keyboard on this album reminds me of Midlake's Bamnan and Silvercorck
can you guys come out to denver, im sure the Larimer Lounge will take you in and you can blow the minds of these pathetic coloradans...including myself
Hey we just really wanted to thank you for letting us be your friend on Myspace. Stop by and leave us a comment and let everyone know what you think of our band. Remember we can’t do all this without you, so we need your support any way you can give it.
And remember all our songs are available on iTunes, Rhapsody, ect or any other major online store. Or if you want the disc you can get it @ www.thelasthour.bigcartel.com. We need your support spreading the music! Thanks guys!
Just so you know, we were excited to see we were in the short list of bands for the cd101 summerfest contest, then we saw The Receiver was listed too and we all gave a collective "awwww crap! That song is fucking great!"
We're all big fans.
just please stop cockblocking our opportunities!
:-)
Good luck!
Hey guys, thought I'd share this with you. I played your new record before the Black Moth Super Rainbow show at Skully's on Saturday. It got a great response from the crowd. People thought it sounded awesome. Congratulations on a great record.
We feel the same way. If not for a band Like you guys around to set the bar, we wouldnt know what to do. Cd listening party ? hit you dudes with the details soon.
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