ninehertz

As Lucius Fox tick over a decade or more of existence, it is no surprise to find this band, who have always displayed a willing adventurist nature, taking on a grand concept for their latest album, The Death and Life of the Great Lakes. But what started as an idea to map their brand of heavier end math rock to the Great Lakes of their region became something else with the loss of guitarist Jeremy Crock’s mother, with it developing into a very personal tribute. You can feel that grief resonate through the record.

It is a superb album. I don’t even like math rock, but I adore this. It is less heavy than some of their earlier works, but their proficiency has grown, evident in the crystal-clear writing and skilled musicianship. First track Lake Isle Memorial is post-rock with feeling, unsurprising given it is dedicated to “my mother and my favourite person”. Michigan turns the speed up to manic levels, math rock that is hard to even keep up with, mightily impressive especially as it brings it together in this light shining melodic beauty. This is a perfect example of how this music can be challenging, emotional and stunning at the same time, a phenomenal track.

And the album carries on at this level across its breadth, never dipping below. The pure mania of the tracks where the virtuoso guitar work shines are difficult for my doom addled brain to keep up with at times, but other tracks change up, introducing nods to screamo (on Ontario) or simply gentler songs which allow you to catch your breath. It has a consistent beauty and expansiveness worthy of the Great Lakes it is conceptualised around.

As the longest track July closes the album, dealing with loss, grief and support, as it moves between pure post-rock, darker sounds and then almost progressive rock, as it stretches out into the sunset, you only can applaud the skill, courage and beauty of the album you’ve just heard. It is only a slight exaggeration to say that this is the only math rock album I even like, never mind love, but more importantly, as an ode to a lost loved one, there can be no finer or more heartfelt tribute.