From the sound of Other Lives new EP, Mind the Gap, the influence has been indelible and highly beneficial.
2011s Tamer Animals was a brilliant record and dark-horse candidate for album of the year in certain circles. So it should mean something to say that Take Us Alive, the starter song on Mind the Gap, is the best thing the band has ever done. Its a deeply affecting, brilliantly crafted single that carries forward with that rich, dark, folk-pop sound of Animals title track and elevates it with a sauntering, almost R&B backbone. Its the dustier cousin of Kid A.
Dead Can is similarly impressive and textural. Atoms for Peace (thats Radioheads Thom Yorke, Red Hot Chili Peppers bassist Flea, Radiohead producer Nigel Godrich and more) do a stirring remix of Tamer Animals, and Dustbowl finishes strong.
Due Oct. 23, the four-track effort makes good on the promise of Animals, ensuring the groups true junior effort no longer will see them as a little brother. Joshua Boydston
Hey! Read This:
Other Lives interview
Tamer Animals album review