Darkness reigns supreme on Heavy Is As Heavy Does, the latest single from Menomena. As the first single release from their upcoming fifth album, Moms, it’s a clear indication that things are a bit weightier in the Portland-based band’s world without Brent Knopf, who left Menomena back in January last year (2011).
Moms is split between tales of Danny Seim’s relationship with his mother, who died when he was a kid, and Justin Harris’ memories of his dad walking out on his family when he was younger, so Heavy Is As Heavy Does (listen below) is understandably cast in shadows. However, it’s not just the lyrics that strike a tough note, the guitar on the single is like a ratchet crash with chainsaw sound overlays.
It builds from a slow piano start adding new waves of layers that stack up behind the grunge drone vocals and broken family tree lyrics. It reaches dark psychedelic points at its most wild, but also takes in a level of beauty at its more minimalistic outer edges.
Heavy Is As Heavy Does is set for release on the 8th October 2012, along with Moms. With tragedy and personal lives laid bare, Menomena look set to make 2012 their year for introspection and the music world will be all the better for it.
Menomena UK & European Tour Dates:
23/11/12 Glasgow at Captain’s Rest
24/11/12 Leeds at Brudenell Social Club
26/11/12 London at Cargo
