
Waterfowl Dance, the solo project of Eugene, OR-based musician Cole McLain, has delivered a(nother) masterwork with their recently released fourth, concept album, ‘An Elaborate Choreography Of Failure‘. The album delves into themes of love, sex, adulthood, and masculinity, born from a life-altering experience with a friend. Known for a unique blend of influences from classical to noise rock, metal, Midwest-emo, and folk, McLain crafts a sound that is both chaotic and beautifully intricate.
The album opens with ‘Boy do I have a story for you…‘, a brief yet evocative introduction that sets the stage with ambient classical textures and a sense of anticipation. This leads into ‘Your beauty is a wretch in my stomach‘, where orchestral elements meet modern rock instrumentation, creating a juxtaposition of delicate melodies, distinctive, baritone vocal expression and intense rhythms. ‘Visceral nostalgia‘ continues in a unique art rock/post punk/noise rock hybrid with an adorable, volcanic climax. The percussion, heavily inspired by metal and slowcore, provides a dynamic foundation, pushing the melody forward while maintaining an underlying tension. ‘The best it gets‘ is a fleeting, poignant interlude that transitions smoothly into the almost 8-minute ‘Diluted wisdom soup‘. This track showcases McLain’s ability to blend genres, with complex time signatures and interwoven melodies that build to a powerful crescendo, evoking a sense of cathartic release. The short yet impactful ‘You don’t know what’s comin’…‘ serves as a prelude to ‘Don’t fuck yer friends (I)‘ and its sequel ‘Don’t fuck your friends (II)‘. These tracks delve deep into the emotional core of the album, with raw, unhinged vocals and intricate instrumentation that convey a profound sense of despair and longing. A brave mixture of avant-rock with baroque pop via a dadaist, artistic prism. ‘Why don’t you just feel better?‘ offers a brief respite before the intense ‘ARE broken hearts for assholes?‘. Here, the orchestral elements return with a renewed sense of purpose, creating a soundscape that is both triumphant and melancholic. But wait for the sludge-y experimental switch after the 3.30 mark that will test your sonic boundaries! ‘Waltz in L Flat‘ sounds like The Fall experimenting on more progressive rock paths, while ‘Blue screening‘ is another short interlude that seamlessly transitions into ‘Broken record‘, a track that combines otherworldly melodies, until a “Shaman” breaks in and lifts the tension. Nothing can be predicted in this recording! ‘A sleepy distortion‘ and ‘Artists are useless these days‘ explore the heavier, darker aspects of the album’s themes. The instrumentation is dense and layered, with crushing build-ups and complex rhythms challenging the listener’s expectations. The album closes with ‘A failure on most accounts‘, bringing the journey full circle. The orchestral elements and hammered dulcimer create a sense of closure, weaving melodies that are both triumphant and reflective.
‘An Elaborate Choreography Of Failure‘ is a testament to McLain’s growth as a musician and composer. The album’s intricate arrangements and emotional depth make it a standout in Waterfowl Dance’s discography. It is a heretic exploration of chaotic beauty, offering a rich, immersive listening experience that challenges and rewards in equal measure. Definitely not ideal for the average, “untrained” listener, but 100% vital for any audio explorer! While Waterfowl Dance currently does not tour, the potential for live performances would undoubtedly bring these complex compositions to life in new and exciting ways.
Christos Doukakis