By: Matt Haynie
Over the span of nearly seventeen years, Cursive have crafted a brand of indie rock very few have been able to emulate. Singer-guitarist Tim Kasher's poignantly introspective lyrics and ragged, unrestrained voice backed by jagged guitar riffs and chaotic tempos became a staple of the band's sound. However, the band's latest two albums (Happy Hollow released in 2006 and Mama, I'm Swollen in 2009) deviated away from this style, feeling more like a loss than a step forward for the band. Now Cursive returns in top form with their ambitious seventh album I Am Gemini, presenting their songwriting in a different way than before.
Kasher and the rest of Cursive (Ted Stevens on guitar and backing vocals, Matt Maginn on bass, and Cully Symington on drums) have crafted yet another concept album. However, I Am Gemini is more cohesive in contrast to their past, “looser” concept albums. The album is the first time Kasher had a complete story in mind before writing lyrics, resulting in a grander concept that relays a linear tale from the first to last track. I Am Gemini tells of the struggle and unexpected reunion between estranged twin brothers Cassius and Pollock on the battlefield of their childhood home. Over the course of the story, which brother is good and which is evil becomes less apparent as the line is blurred. It’s recommended to read the liner notes of the album because they read more like a play than just lyrics. Even if they aren't followed while listening to the music, just reading through will give a greater understanding of the album's concept.
Kasher's quality songwriting still shines through despite the different approach, bringing back the depth in his lyrics that felt lacking in their last album, Mama, I'm Swollen. The specific concept of Cassius and Pollock's conflict does not limit the lyrical content; there are still concepts in the album that anyone can resonate with. The songs do make more sense in the context of the whole, but each can stand on their own.
Musically, Cursive draw from the heaviness found on their past works like Domestica (2000), Burst and Bloom (2001) and The Ugly Organ (2003). Although Mama, I'm Swollen still kept some of Cursive's identity, it had a more accessible sound that was lacking the dissonance that had become associated with the band's music. On I Am Gemini, Cursive are able to incorporate some of the accessibility found on Mama, I'm Swollen and combine it with their darker side to present a new sound from the band that still maintains their identity.
The opening track, “This House Alive”, is an escalating guitar-driven rocker that both sets the stage for the story of I Am Gemini and gives a sense that Cursive have brought back elements of their past music. The album continues effortlessly from song to song while relaying the intense tale of brothers, showcasing poppy songs like “The Sun and Moon” and “The Cat and Mouse” while songs like “Drunken Birds” and “Wowowow” harken back to a more frantic and darker Cursive. Regardless of which way the pendulum swings in the style, the music is able to present a singular sound. Aided by instrumentals like “Lullaby for No Name” and “This House a Lie,” the album eventually comes to the jarring and borderline-insane climax of Cassius and Polluck's conflict, “A Birthday Bash.” The tale is ended by an epilogue of sorts, the final track “Eulogy for No Name” which is slowly built up by Kasher's lower vocal register. Eventually the instruments join in full and an explosion of distortion paves the way for Kasher's voice to launch into his familiar emotion-laden howl to relay the last words of the album. A blistering series of guitar strums finally gives way to a single chord that gradually fades away to end I Am Gemini.
Although I Am Gemini is arguably Cursive's best release since The Ugly Organ in 2003, newcomers to the band or those who know Cursive from their previous album may be put off by the album's sound. Kasher's raw singing style and personal lyrics combined with Cursive's dissonant and driving instrumentals have always been outside the norm and awkward at times. Jumping into I Am Gemini without being familiar with Cursive's previous albums may be overwhelming. Many fans who are familiar with Cursive will most likely be pleased with the direction the band has taken and consider I Am Gemini as a step up from Mama, I'm Swollen.
Regardless of how long someone has listened to Cursive, I Am Gemini is worth checking out if only for the story it tells alone. Kasher has crafted an exciting tale of duality combined with impressive songwriting and interesting instrumentals, making the album a rewarding listen in the end.
