Godspeed You! Black Emperor (GY!BE) made a powerful return in 2012 with 'Allelujah! Don't Bend! Ascend!, breaking a ten-year silence since their previous album Yanqui U.X.O.. This album combines the band’s dense and layered musical structures with both innovative and familiar elements, offering fans a striking response to their long absence. Recorded at the Hotel2Tango studio in Montreal and released under the Constellation Records label, the album weaves epic long tracks with drone and experimental textures to create an enchanting atmosphere.
The album consists of two long and two shorter tracks. "Mladic" and "We Drift Like Worried Fire" showcase the band’s characteristic epic and intense musical structure, while "Their Helicopters' Sing" and "Strung Like Lights at Thee Printemps Erable" emphasize drone and experimental elements.
Critically acclaimed upon its release, the album was celebrated as a triumphant comeback. In 2013, it won the Polaris Music Prize, further solidifying its success.
'Allelujah! Don't Bend! Ascend! holds a significant place in Godspeed You! Black Emperor’s musical evolution and served as an inspiration for their subsequent works.
Album Line-Up
This album’s line-up reflects the band’s rich instrumental textures and innovative approach. The use of diverse instruments and experimental techniques enhances the album’s atmospheric intensity.
- Thierry Amar – Bass guitar, double bass, cello, recording and mixing of "Their Helicopters' Sing" and "Strung Like Lights at Thee Printemps Erable"
- David Bryant – Electric guitar, hammered dulcimer, Portasound, kemenche, recording and mixing of "Their Helicopters' Sing" and "Strung Like Lights at Thee Printemps Erable", photography
- Bruce Cawdron – Drums, vibraphone, marimba, glockenspiel
- Aidan Girt – Drums
- Karl Lemieux – 16mm frame art, photography
- Efrim Menuck – Electric guitar, hurdy-gurdy, recording and mixing of "Their Helicopters' Sing" and "Strung Like Lights at Thee Printemps Erable", photography
- Mike Moya – Electric guitar, recording and mixing of "Their Helicopters' Sing" and "Strung Like Lights at Thee Printemps Erable"
- Mauro Pezzente – Bass guitar
- Sophie Trudeau – Violin, Casio SK-5
Tracklist
This album features four tracks that combine the band’s dramatic intensity with experimental techniques. The long and detailed compositions are complemented by shorter, atmospheric pieces, offering a rich listening experience.
- Mladic – (19:59): An epic opening track featuring dense guitar arrangements and dramatic crescendos.
- Their Helicopters' Sing – (6:30): An atmospheric interlude filled with drone effects and experimental textures.
- We Drift Like Worried Fire – (19:58): The centerpiece of the album, showcasing orchestral arrangements and layered compositions.
- Strung Like Lights at Thee Printemps Erable – (6:30): A minimalist piece with melancholic undertones, providing a calm and reflective ending to the album.
