Cannibal Cheerleader

With the official release of their third LP creeping closer, Austin act Balmorhea’s All Is Wild, All Is Silent quietly found its way onto popular mp3 sites, instantly lighting up download clients the world over and becoming one of the most wildly popular music torrents literally overnight. For a group basing their sound on delicate layering and hushed melodies, the fervor surrounding this release might come as quite the shock – even given their status as a cult-favorite the remains a neo-classical post-rock band. However, the hype is more than warranted, as the material presented on All Is Wild eclipses Balmorhea’s previous work to such a degree as to argue past releases were only building momentum to this monumental awakening. The album conjures images of the haunting glow of a dying campfire, shining in the reverent blackness of a nighttime forest as the world envelopes you from all around. Never ones to rely on repetition for effect, the band conjures tunes that flit wildly in different directions, sometimes within the span of a single song, darting from terse violin strains to soulful vocal refrains to lilting piano chords then back again. The album’s title describes its content perfectly, a wonderful dichotomy between chaotic instrumental strains and intense minimalism, both of which speak to the sincerity of the music and make for a fantastic headphone listen. Captain of the cheerleading squad for 2009 thus far. 

On another note, be sure and check out our All Is Wild, All Is Silent preview video, featured below, which shows off the energy that these songs capture live.

Also of interest to Balmorhea fans will be the fact that this song recorded below and originally “Untitled” has been since renamed “Remembrance” and recorded officially for this album. Watch it again below.

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Here’s more of our Rolo Tomassi interview – you can check out the entire interview in our new edition of the Cannibal Cheerleader Magazine, out during SXSW here in Austin. 

CC: How would you describe your music to the uninitiated? Have you ever heard descriptions of your music that seemed way off base?
RT: We all recently decided that the term we’re happiest with is ‘progressive hardcore’. I think we’ll always have our hardcore roots but the sound has evolved from there and in that sense become progressive. I think a lot of current bands would be keen to shy away from ‘prog’ as a label but we like it. I can’t stand being called spazzcore.

CC: What’s it like being in a band whose popularity seems to be growing everyday? Is all the press exciting or daunting? Is it hard to stay focused on the music amongst the image politics of today’s music press?
RT: It’s really exciting. We’re just incredibly happy that we can keep touring more and more extensively and have the opportunity to come over and play events like SXSW. Whilst sometimes it is easy to get caught up in the press side of things it never detracts from us making music or staying focused on the fact that we are a band!

CC: Which scene does Rolo Tomassi belong to? Metal? Punk? Some crossover or none of the above? Do music classifications help or hinder a band like yours?
RT: We belong in a community of bands who tour hard and help each other out. Its more about the people than bands sounding similar. I believe any band can be seriously hindered but specific classification musically. As soon as you say we’re ‘X’ kind of band, you immediately exclude people who don’t like that kind of music.

CC: What is it to ‘make it’ as a band? When can you say you’ve achieved your goals?
RT: It completely depends what you want out of it. I long surpassed any goals I had for this band and we’re on a constant bonus round right now. As long as we can keep touring at the frequency we do and visit more new countries I’ll be happy.