The Rest - "Seesaw"

Artist: The Rest

Album: Seesaw

Label: Auteur Recordings

Release Date: June 12^th, 2012

Review by: Sean Kayden

            Relatively obscure Canadian indie rockers, The Rest, are poised to drop their third record, Seesaw on June 12^th. The band has had a tumultuous path leading up to this release since their friend and producer (of their first two albums), Dan Achen passed away. Additionally, the band suffered a hard drive glitch of sorts that completely wiped out everything that was recorded. This led to a two-month delay, but despite dire circumstances, The Rest pulled through the pain and suffering. Unbeknownst to the band’s existence up until most recently, I’ve had the utmost privilege to discover one of the best under-the-radar indie acts in recent memory. “Seesaw” is a soaring, richly textured, emotive piece of art. To have been unaware of the existence of The Rest is a deep shame, but to those who read this and don’t seek them out, consider yourself foolish. “Seesaw” will awaken your eyes in midst of a shutdown in your own life.

            Irrefutably charming, utterly serene, and continuously inspiring, the album is as deeply intelligent as it is mesmerizing. Without offending any fans, you can hear hints of Radiohead, The Antlers, and Sigur Ros, but at any rate, The Rest is completely special. Shifting from melodically driven tunes to swiftly paced ones, “Seesaw” proves to be a prime example of consistency and a well-balanced sounding album. Their exceptional ability to intrinsically develop tender pop songs is considerably effective. I don’t recall the last time I was truly excited to listen to an album all the way through immediately after already doing so. The Rest has without doubt crafted an incredible, powerhouse record that can stand toe-to-toe with any album this year.

Every song off the record deserves praise and recognition to the maximum degree. The Rest will probably never reach the status it rightfully warrants, but don’t let that stop you from listening to one of the best records this year will have to offer. It’s always a great feeling to discover new, exciting, and fresh music, but with this particular breakthrough, the emotion is at its highest peak. Sure, The Rest won’t be for everyone (as there is no such band ever to achieve such an accomplishment), however, if you’re a supporter of the genre or seeking something quite moving, look no further than “Seesaw.” It will abide as your go to record for anything that life throws your direction.

Key Tracks: “Who Knows”, “Hey! For Horses”, “Laughing Yearning”, “John Huston”, “The Last Day”

Grade: 9.1 out of 10

Published by Mountain Views News on May 26th, 2012
http://mtnviewsnews.com/v06/htm/n21/p10.htm