The limbic system controls a fairly large part of the human brain. It helps us get aroused, remembers important facts, and regulates the sleep cycle, among other cerebral functions. Exchange a few vowels and you end up with Lymbyc Systym. But what could this subtle transformation mean?
The Bell brothers of Arizona are Lymbyc Systym; one deals with the keyboards, one plays the drums. Thus, the music is instrumental (but not in the same vein as most instrumental bands you've heard). Imagine all of the sounds a keyboard can produce. The possibilities are virtually endless: bells, horns, grand piano, electronic blips, intense beats, unidentifiable claps and clacks. Jared Bell, keyboardist, exploits this aspect of his instrument. Throughout the album, one can hear dozens of complimentary and juxtaposing passages generated by eclectic, electric gadgets.
The broad and ambiguous term, "post-rock," is an over-sized umbrella sheltering too many bands. Almost every instrumental group has been characterized as such. With Love Your Abuser, Lymbyc Systym proves that music can be unclassifiable. Certain parts of the album have an aura of techno, while others lean towards indie. On tracks like "...So We Can Sleep" and "Astrology Days," the brothers Bell program creative, hypnotizing tracks, then toss a layer of cymbal-heavy drumming on top as a coda to the song.
"Rest Easy/Age Kindly" is the perfect introduction to Lymbyc Systym. Bells fade in, and then a wave of sound flows into the song as accompaniment and ebbs away as quickly as it arrived. Even when the drums are moving briskly, the rest of the music remains relatively calm and slow moving. "Truth Skull" reminds me of an instrumental Sigur Rós track that's less drawn out and contains more oomph. It's a genuinely interesting listen.
I'm anxious to see the brothers perform in early September after reading the press on their website. "Our live performances are basically an epic presentation of the music on our records," stated Michael Bell in an interview with URB Magazine. "They're more powerful and heartfelt than the studio could ever convey." I'm hoping he didn't decide to exaggerate during this interview. Either way I'm still excited.
Fortunately for us instrumental music lovers, Love Your Abuser is incredibly soothing and refreshingly unique. I found myself listening to Lymbyc Systym as I fell asleep and it was unquestionably an enjoyable experience. The music didn't put me to sleep; it lulled me into a satisfying slumber. Procure this album, turn it up loud and fall asleep soundly.
See also
Sigur Rós Using Mild Hallucinogens, Cool Electronica, Bedtime
