How does one describe a band like Titus Andronicus? You could start with obvious descriptors of major key scales and uplifting melodies. If we’re getting specific, we could speak to songs that dip down into valleys of quiet brooding, with vocalist Patrick Stickles’ lyrics shrieking about his general disgust with everything that surrounds him. But this is not the Titus Andronicus that exists in 2015. The group put out their most recent effort, The Most Lamentable Tragedy, a few days ago and it’s already being hailed as a masterpiece. No one really expected this from the band after 2012’s Local Business ended up falling short of the breakthrough 2010’s The Monitor. Yet here they are, with their 29 track, 93 minute rock opera.
That’s right, I said rock opera. Now this isn’t a surprise; the boys let it be known around 2013 how their next album would be written. Stickles’ said in an interview with The Missoulian that “The plot, is inspired in part by Nietzsche’s “The Birth of Tragedy,” and “Touched with Fire,” psychologist Kay Redfield Jamison’s book on how manic depression relates to the artistic temperament.” I’d suggest checking out the remainder of the interview here for further insight into the intricacies of The Most Lamentable Tragedy.
It’s clear Titus Andronicus put an insane amount of work into The Most Lamentable Tragedy and the concepts behind it. But does it work? Is this really “the Most Lamentable Tragedy?” In my opinion, I have to say yes. This was an ambitious project that the group pulled off fabulously from beginning to end and it perfectly reflects the stylings of the classic rock opera. The quiet, ominous build-up of “The Angry Hour” gives way into the upbeat introductory anthem “No Future Part IV: No Future Triumphant,” where Stickles releases a fierce scream “I hate to be awake!”
The Most Lamentable Tragedy is full of Stickles’ regret and depression. “Stranded (On My Own)” has the vocalist roaring over again and again “I thought that we would be really good together.” Traditional operatic staples such as “Lonely Boy” and “I Lost My Mind” tie the record together, providing an oddball punch to the depressing nature of Stickles’ lyrics. Overall, The Most Lamentable Tragedy has been knocked out of the park and Titus Andronicus is back, baby.
Rating: 4.8/5