Caïna - Temporary Antennae (2008)

Caïna - Temporary Antennae (2008)

It seems that a lot of heavier bands naturally mellow out as they get older. This, of course, coincides with the typical process of maturing outside of a musical perspective. Young people live in extremes, see things in black and white, and only age brings out that ability to see the gray areas. Understanding this makes me more accepting when formerly heavy bands return with more subtle and/or varied albums (but at the same time makes me less accepting of people who complain and dismiss perfectly good albums just because the band isn't as heavy anymore). In fact, I expect it, and find it a little ridiculous when bands with members well into their 30's continue to stick to the tactic of sheer aggression and energy. It often seems forced and unnatural regardless of (or perhaps especially because of) the band's past efforts.

The central member of Caïna, Andrew Curtis-Brignell, is not yet in his mid-twenties (as is my understanding) and Temporary Antennae is his third full-length in a career that is as many years old, so it's a little more difficult to explain the changes to his sound on this album, which is gradually moving away from being black metal with forays into post-rock and singer/songwriter, to being more post-rock with forays into black metal. You won't find so much as a growl surface in Temporary Antennae until fourteen minutes into the album and have to wait an additional four minutes for a blast beat.

The signature lazy journalistic move to pull when a heavy band mellows out is usually to compare them to Neurosis. And when said band does delve into post-rock, lazy journalists will also name drop Godspeed You! Black Emperor as an influence for those parts. This has to stop. It's as if Neurosis are the only metal band to ever combine the heavier parts their songs with a softer post-rock sound and that Godspeed is the only post-rock band in existence. Don't worry, though, I'm above such lazy journalism.

That being said, the way that Caïna jumps in and out of heavy segments seems to invoke the style of Neurosis Isis. "Willows and Whippoorwills", with it's brooding buildup that eventually gives way to the growls of Curtis-Brignell, would make Steve Von Till Aaron Turner proud. But Caïna do more than enough to separate themselves from other post-metal Isis clones. Take "Larval Door" as an example, though it comes completely out of left-field, especially having followed the crushing "Tobacco Beetle". Caïna's website mentions 80's pop as an influence, but it's somewhat disorienting to have it injected so suddenly into an otherwise dark and foreboding album. "Them Golds And Brass", which manifests into three distinct segments, draws comparisons to Godspee Explosions In The Sky with it's spoken word part in the middle, as well in other areas with it's guitar work similar to that of Efrim Menuck's best moments. *ahem* Of course I meant Munaf Rayani. Munaf Rayani's best moments. Yes.

I suppose my only complaint is with the absence of any acoustic tracks similar to "Constantine The Blind" or "Wormwood Over Albion" from Mourner. On top of being two of the album's best tracks, they added more variety to the music. But that's a minor issue considering that Temporary Antennae still delivers. Mourner was a grower that rewarded and improved with each listen. Temporary Antennae has the same quality, while innovating enough to keep the listener anxious for what they'll bring next. Anyone looking to fill the post-metal void in their lives in 2008 should look no further.

Score: 8/10


"Tobacco Beetle"


"None Shall Die"