Rituals

I don’t find this record “samey” becase Jesse Tabish sings a lot of Brian Wilson high voice falsetto with very ethereal lush production and melodic beauty. I wouldn’t say it is as gloomy, but that one clip you sent me is the most up tempo. The timing and sort of surprising drums strokes and percussion are marvelous and there are a lot of guest artists playing various woodwinds and horns. There is no way it is a plus to loose the members they lost, but I honestly don’t think the quality here has dropped an iota because of that, per se.My main thought all the way through is I’m listening to something like Pet Sounds or Smile, but something really unique that in a way, maybe Brian Wilson wouldn’t or could not come up with, although the influence is “there,” for sure, this is a lot more spaced out and ethereal than those albums, and whereas there are few Warmth of the Suns or Surfs Up, among others, "period," this album just washes you away with beautiful “music” almost relentlentlessly. This is really well played, really subtley played, and magnificently sung. I would really enjoy sitting in a good acoustics, small concert hall, and experiencing a live performance of this music. Man, for $9.99 you really get your money’s worth. It’s also a lovely simple eco pack that is nicer in your hand than it looks on your computer. It does plod, but then it oh so elevates, I’d give this one five stars.

I hardly ever write reviews, and yet, I felt compelled to write one for this album. I discovered Other Lives only a few months ago by turning on the radio one morning. NPR was doing a review on Rituals, and I heard the last 30 seconds of music and the name of the band. It left such an impression that later in the day, I researched and found Rituals. It didn't disappoint. Sonically, they are the modern Monets, Degas and Renoirs of sound, painting aural impressions of life. Their writing is beautiful, haunting and uplifting at the same time.Since I first heard of them, I've been devouring all their titles. I can understand what people are saying about it lacking Tamer Animals' orchestral refinement. That album was expansive and cinematic, feeling at times like a classical orchestra concert (especially the nods to Phillip Glass). Conversely, Rituals feels more intimate, like a chamber ensemble. It also experiments more with electronic elements and balances the melancholy with more hopeful sounds. It's not a huge departure from their previous work, but it is a progression nonetheless. It's much less movie soundtrack and more Nils Frahm meets Radiohead. But then, I love that!This is definitely a group that's worth getting to know, and Rituals is a wonderful entrée to their world.

Critics didn't seem to take to this album as much as their last, which seems strange given the level of craftsmanship evident on this release. The most frequent comment I have seen is that there are "no surprises" on Rituals. I personally feel that Other Lives has come a long way since Tamer Animals. Rituals features a lot of rhythmically focused pieces as suggested by the title. Despite this rhythmic experimentation, one can still appreciate how Other Lives aspires to classical composition. The strings surge and swell slowly in contrast to many of the more modern percussion sections adding a layer of texture not found on Tamer Animals.

I LOVE THIS BAND. What an amazing amazing band. Great new album - it's been a while since they had released anything. It was nice to get some of their new tunes in the old iPod.

Just as good as their previous two records without sounding exactly the same. I'd say the only criticism I have with this record is that they didn't provide any lyrics to the songs with the CD purchase. Other than that, ear candy; I could listen to this one over and over. <3

This album has my favorite quality in music: I have to listen to it more than once for it to seep into my bones and blood, and the more I listen to it, the more it unfolds. It is fascinating and moving, and it's a shame it has gone under-appreciated in the U.S.

Even with the downsizing & move of this group to Portland, the team is as innovative and emotional as ever.

This is one of my favorite albums of 2015. I'm so glad I came across this band. They are so talented and creative!

I took a bit of a punt on this one after hearing "Easy Way Out" on Guy Garvey's Radio 6 show. My punt has paid off! This is a great album full of wonderful music which leaves me wondering why I'd never heard of the band.

This is a great followup album to Tamer Animals. Put on your headset, sit back, relax and enjoy!

It's good, but just lacking that extra something melancholy and special that attracts me to this band.

Good album.

Great