The recent popularity of indie rock has led many of us to rediscover the artists that defined the genre. Long seen as one of indie rock’s archetypal bands, Built to Spill’s music is part of the foundation of the independent music of today. With You In Reverse, the band’s latest album, set for release this Tuesday, April 11, the band continues to rely on this reputation without sinking into redundancy or drastically reinventing its signature sound.
Any of the changes that You In Reverse may introduce to the band’s sound are minor. Perhaps the album’s most striking characteristic is its hefty song lengths, which average around six minutes. This formula suits Built to Spill, as they tend to wander into baroque instrumentals and solos. If anything, the added length of the songs highlights their loose structures and gives each song room to breathe.
In between the outbursts of lengthy solos, the band still finds time to fit in simple melodies, enlivened by Doug Martsch’s enthusiastic wail. As Built to Spill’s most attractive quality is its ability to balance pop structure with epic instrumentation, the band takes special care with the songs that best exemplify this talent. “Conventional Wisdom” features a high-intensity catchiness that almost rivals that of its most accessible album, 1999’s Keep It Like a Secret. “Goin’ Against Your Mind,” the first and longest track, provides immediate reassurance that the band hasn’t lost its ability to create aggressive rock, with its fast-paced rhythm and hurried chorus. However, You In Reverse incorporates every aspect of the band’s style, even improving upon its slower ballads, as on the atmospheric “Just a Habit.”
While still adhering to their recognizable pop asthetic, Built To Spill has tweaked its sound with its latest record, giving their songs a looser, almost live feel. In the end, You in Reverse is a reminder of why Built To Spill is still one of the most revered icons of modern indie rock.
