One and Done

ALBUM OF THE DAY
Sans Seraph - After the Rain, released 2006 (Independent)

Continuing with yesterday's album of the day from Shun, comes Sans Seraph. Shun broke up shortly after the release of "Michael in Reign," and five year's later their incredible singer, Billy White, resurfaced with his new band, Sans Seraph. I found the review from the same writer as the Shun album, and it reads as follows...

"Looking back, it'd be hard not to say that Shun were ahead of their time. Back when nu-metal was burping its last gasp and metalcore was beginning to move in behind it; Shun made some intriguingly heartfelt music, that while not status quo, still managed to resonate with many in the underground. Years have passed since the bands break-up, but the talent of former frontman Billy White has remained, as is proven in his latest outfit Sans Seraph.

Much of "After The Rain" is a yearning, minimalistic affair. The vocals are emotionally driven, yet delivered with a sense of subtlety that not only finds White's heart being worn on his sleeve, but enough life behind his words to have it remain beating as well. For as wistful as his demeanor may be though, it never really feels out of place as the sparse, thematic musicianship of his band mates exceptionally backs it up.

Sure there are keys, jangling chords, loose drumming and plodding bass lines, but rarely do they feel too artsy or overblown. Even the album starting with samples of thunder and ending with birds chirping would seem cliche in nearly any setting, yet the group manage to make it fit perfectly here. A lot of this comes from their ability to intersperse themselves in a complementary manner that lets White's words linger and enchant, rather than everyone dash for the spotlight at once.

Rough edges? Sure there's more than a few as the band can and do get sucked into themselves a bit more than necessary. Furthermore, a few of the songs just don't have the haunting, meaningful impact that others do and tend to throw off the momentum; while the production is also a tad flaccid as well. But even so, "After The Rain" is still quite a testament to what can be done when textures and atmosphere become the main focus of a band rather than individual instrumental bravado.

Simply put, it should be a prerequisite for fans of groups like Oceansize, Clann Zu and dredg to weather the emotional storm that is "After The Rain". For rare is it that an album comes along that drips emotion yet strays nowhere near the dreaded 'emo.' Hell, given his past track record ,even rarer is it that White surfaces with new music, though with output like this, one can only hope that Sans Seraph will change all that." - Wookubus

Check out this incredible performance from a showcase they did for Gibson Guitars...



For fans of: A Perfect Circle, Dredg, Porcupine Tree, Shun, etc.

Unfourtunately they only lasted for this one album before breaking up as well, but Billy White has resurfaced yet again, this time with the expiremental, work when we feel like working, The Midnight Radio Sessions. Check out the hauntingly beautiful "Tonight."