Album Details

• Artist: Cursive
• Album: Domestica
• Label: Saddle Creek
• Year of Release: 2000
• ME Rating:
• Reviewed by: kev_stev on 2007-07-04

Media

A conceptual album about a break up? There are endless possibilities for failure there, with overwhelming pretension being the most likely. However, on Cursive's Domestica, the indie-rockers from Omaha avoid any form of pretense with their deeply jaded, poignant, and brooding full-length.

Stuffed with metaphors and descriptive imagery, the album focuses around two characters: Pretty Baby and Sweetie, exploring their dysfunctional relationship through booming dynamics and scathing screams--as well as the effects of both of their deception. Though the themes on Domestica are anything but original, the emotion within it is uncommon. And although lead singer Tim Kasher denies that the album was based around his recent divorce, it is evident that he has, at least, suffered a great deal--and has also made others suffered, as well--because these songs seem a bit too compelling to fake.

The opening track "The Casualty" wastes no time starting up heavily: the guitars clash dissonantly as Kasher's throaty voice sings of a battle where "the shoe is dropped, lungs explode, shards of words of a shattered voice, and there's still a hole where the phone was thrown." An obvious double meaning, Kasher calls lovers "brigadiers," displaying his ingenious ability to evoke images of war to describe a verbal dispute. The song then leads into the metaphorical, "The Martyr," where Kasher exhorts his lover to "get on that cross, that's all you're good for" before emphatically yelping "martyr."

Every track following on the album has a meaning, has a story, and has some element of despair; the closing track in particular ends Domestica with a looming depressiveness, as Kasher mourns that "icicles hung down like prison bars" before shouting "I need a catalyst to rekindle the flame that once burned within these fists." Do not expect an uplifting moment from Domestica, you will not find it. You will, however, find an honest, almost painful album that is an emotional rollercoaster fueled by Tim Kasher's lyrical brilliance. This album is highly recommended for anyone, because we've all had our share of bad relationships.

User Reviews and Comments

on 2008-01-27 DeathEyesForKiley Said:

Great Review.
Rating: 10/10