Unwound - Leaves Turn Inside You

Kill Rock Stars

Unwound, Washington's finest, released their final album 'Leaves Turn Inside You' on this day in 2001. It's the first Unwound album to be produced by indie legend Phil Ek.

Unwound's final album and quite possibly their finest hour catches a band at the peak of their powers. They take on a more sprawling approach to their music. Experimenting with longer song structures, more atmospheric textures and vocal effects. Somewhat softer than their previous outings, Leaves Turn Inside You broadens the bands repertoire. Pulling back on the noisier elements of the band allows them to focus their gaze on creating a feeling rather than a straight up sonic assault. Strings are added on tracks like Radio Gra and Terminus to open the album up to a whole other world sonically and dynamically. An addition to the bands sound that came from the newfound partnership with producer Phil Ek? This wouldn’t surprise me in the slightest. Many an act has benefited from his production specialties and all round input. Bands such as Modest Mouse, Built To Spill, Duster and Fleet Foxes have all created their magnum opus' under his watchful eyes.

This album on its own would define Unwound as one of the finest bands to ever do it. That’s a testament to the quality of Leaves Turn Inside You. It has the feel of a band that knew the curtain call was looming. Album closer 'Below the Salt' is as fine a farewell as any. Efficaciously heart wrenching.

I was secretly hoping for a reunion tour of some sort to celebrate the 20th anniversary. The current social climate wouldnt have been a fitting place for it however. Bassist Vern Rumsey also passed away last year which kind of dashed any hopes. Finding a replacement for his feel and playing style is a relatively impossible task. His knack for finding a groove to drive the track forward without stealing the spotlight of the overall work is second to none. He's one of those rare talents that can play the part while instilling flare and a unique touch. His partnership with Sara Lund is something of a dream. Justin Trosper's visceral, angular guitar-work is the ultimate icing on the cake.

If you like your music cold, calculated and somewhat detached then this is the album for you. It really doesn't get much better.

Favourite Track: Off This Century

R.I.P. Vern Rumsey

April 17th, 2001.