First things first: listen to Minoans at Bandcamp.
Minoans presents an indirect challenge to me and listeners of my ilk.
The band's last release, the Cenotes EP, was short and to the point. It contained five tracks that hewed closer to the traditional metal confines; though they were melodic, they were heavy and were built on a strong foundation of guitar riffs.
Much like previous LP The Ichthyologist, the sound of Minoans is fuller, more filled out than that of the EP. There are more eclectic influences present that shape the construction of the songs. There are directions taken that were ignored on Cenotes.
Also, producer Matt Bayles has been switched out for Tim Green (whose credits include a personal favorite, Christian Mistress' Possession).
There are new members to take note of, as well. Andrew Southard (previously a guest on first LP Metridium Fields) plays keyboards and adds vocals, while the drumming chair continues to rotate; this time, Grayceon drummer Zack Farwell takes a turn.
The challenge I mentioned above lies in the vast gulf that separates Minoans from Cenotes. Aside from "Mycenaeans", there are few riffs to be found. More to the point, Aaron Gregory's guitar isn't what drives these songs. Through the first half of the album, we are treated to a display of atmosphere. "Sixty Foot Waves" and "Mycenaeans" throw the listener for a bit of a loop as they are among the heavier tracks and the ones that most rely on guitar.
"The Pearl and the Parthenon" is gentle; it's almost a pop song. Closer "Phaistos Disc" brings back the aggression, but lacks a standout riff that would make it as successful as "Mycenaeans".
It's taken me a while to reconcile the challenge that the record lays down. Given the difference in producers (which does result in a noticeably more dense soundscape this time) and the change of direction in the songwriting, I had a great deal of trouble in parsing out whether or not this is a good record.
Based on the things I usually like to listen to and review, since Minoans bears little similiarity to them, it would not be a "great" album. So what I've tried to do when listening to the album over the last week is to remove myself from the equation and try to engage the album on its own terms: to appreciate the eclecticism provided by Gregory et al in the songwriting and playing.
Minoans is a well-executed album. I think most people would enjoy it.
If that is what makes a great album, then Giant Squid have another winner on their hands.
And for my own personal enjoyment, I hope for more riffs on the next one.
