Rainer Maria? More like Rainer Boring. The lack of rock and only prettiness make this boring. It would be ok if the prettiness was really good, but it's just kind of bland. The female vocals aren't really working for me either. I'm sure she has a good voice, but it adds to the already stale feeling. At the same time it feels somewhat poppy. As you can tell this really isn't my thing at all, but at least it doesn't sound like everything else. Wow, this review is just as boring as the specimen on trial!
Wow. This band changed. A lot. Last I had heard of this band was A Better Version Of Me which I believe was their last full length record. Well something happened in between as this new record is quite a bit darker than that record. Caithlin's vocals are allot stronger than they have ever been and really steps into the spotlight as the front of this band. I would suggest this record, even if you weren't a fan of the old stuff. You might find something you like.
Long Knives Drawn is quite a good rock record. Each song is well-written and sculpted quite perfectly by Rainer's members. Highlights on the record, to me, are the opening track "Mystery and Misery", "Ears Ring", and the final song "Situation Relation". I've never been a fan of Rainer Maria, or even heard too much by them, but I have been hearing that this album is more 'rock' than their previous releases. If you're a long time fan, you might not be as into this as their older stuff, but on the other hand, if you've never really liked them, you might come across a new found enjoyment for Rainer Maria. Sometimes I have trouble getting past the vocals. Call me AC Slater, but I sometimes have trouble getting into bands with female vocalists, because, typically, the vocals sound like any other girl singing for choir. This band falls into that trap on occasion. The vocals start to become bland and unrecognizable from many other female vocalists. I still, however, recommend checking out this band, especially if you're a fan of Death Cab for Cutie or Pretty Girls Make Graves.
