Godspeed You! Black Emperor (GY!BE) took listeners on a brand-new atmospheric journey with Asunder, Sweet and Other Distress, released on March 31, 2015. The album pushes the boundaries of post-rock by emphasizing intense drone layers and ambient elements. It was recorded by Greg Norman in North Carolina and Montreal and released under the Constellation Records label.
Comprised of four tracks and totaling 40 minutes and 23 seconds, the album begins with a heavy and powerful opening before transitioning into minimalist and meditative soundscapes. The opening track, "Peasantry or 'Light! Inside of Light!'", showcases the band’s familiar epic structure, while "Lambs' Breath" and "Asunder, Sweet" delve into dense drone and ambient textures. The album culminates in "Piss Crowns Are Trebled", a grand finale that leaves a lasting impression.
The album was well-received by critics, who praised its focused and innovative composition. Pitchfork awarded it a score of 7.6 out of 10, noting the band’s success in staying true to their musical identity.
Album Line-Up
The album’s line-up reflects the band’s creative musical diversity and atmospheric richness. The use of visual projections further transforms performances into artistic experiences.
- Efrim Menuck – Guitar, keyboard
- Mike Moya – Guitar
- Mauro Pezzente – Bass guitar
- Thierry Amar – Bass guitar, double bass
- David Bryant – Guitar, tape loops
- Sophie Trudeau – Violin
- Aidan Girt – Drums, percussion
- Timothy Herzog – Drums, percussion
- Karl Lemieux – Film projections
- Philippe Léonard – Film projections
Tracklist
The album consists of four tracks shaped by dense drone layers and atmospheric elements. Each piece offers a unique experience that highlights the band’s musical identity.
- Peasantry or 'Light! Inside of Light!' – (10:28): A dramatic and powerful opening track featuring dense orchestrations and melodic structures.
- Lambs' Breath – (9:53): A meditative interlude that focuses on minimalist textures and drone themes.
- Asunder, Sweet – (6:13): A richly ambient piece that deepens the emotional intensity of the album.
- Piss Crowns Are Trebled – (13:49): A grand and atmospheric closing track that continues the band’s tradition of epic finales.
