For his fifth Anticon album, Martin Dosh had two goals. First: Get loose. 2008's Wolves and Wishes took a step in this direction by way of its guests--freewheelers like Bonnie "Prince" Billy and Odd Nosdam--but Dosh records are well-known for their impeccable arrangements. To wit, Andrew Bird used Wolves and Wishes' "First Impossible" as the rhythmic backbone for a song on last year's critically acclaimed Noble Beast LP. (Dosh has been collaborating, recording and touring with Bird since 2005.) Dosh's second goal seemed to directly conflict with the first: Explore thicker terrain for his already seething soundscapes. More drums. More vocals. And new to the Dosh catalog, lots of low end. But instead of clutter, this unique brand of maximalist, rhythm-driven post-rock sweeps lilting beauty, serious beats and even airy moments into its comely whirlwind.
