Stars of the Lid And Their Refinement of the Decline
Since 1993, the duo of Brian McBride and Adam Wiltzie has been at the forefront […]
Since 1993, the duo of Brian McBride and Adam Wiltzie has been at the forefront of the drone movement. And Their Refinement of the Decline is not only their first studio album in six years, it’s also the 100th release from seminal experimental imprint Kranky. Fittingly, the record is a subdued chef d’oeuvre, exploring frail melodies and dense soundscapes in equal strokes. From the opening horns of “Dungtitled (In A Major)” to the closing rumbles of “December Hunting for Vegetarian Fuckface,” Refinement of the Decline is a two-hour juggernaut of careful dynamics and warm tones.