Cursive
Devourer
Run For Cover Records [2024]
Album Overview: Formed in 1995, Cursive emerged from Omaha, Nebraska, and became a key figure in the late-’90s/early-2000s indie rock and post-hardcore scenes. Known for their introspective and experimental approach, they built a reputation with albums like Domestica (2000) and The Ugly Organ (2003), which became influential touchstones. Over nearly three decades, Cursive has developed a discography marked by emotional depth and complex themes, consistently steering clear of stagnation. The band’s lineup now features seven members, including the core trio of Tim Kasher, Matt Maginn, and Ted Stevens, along with additional musicians who have expanded their sonic depth. Devourer stands as a testament to Cursive’s enduring creative ambition, offering a blend of weighty topics with diverse musical arrangements. The album examines themes of consumption—both personal and societal—while maintaining a balance between intense and more melodic moments. This release pushes the band’s boundaries both lyrically and sonically, which can be attributed to their veteran status. Produced in collaboration with Marc Jacob Hudson (Against Me!, Saves The Day, Thursday), Devourer is shaped by an intricate mix of catchy melodies and intense dissonance, marking it as the band’s best overall record since The Ugly Organ.
Musical Style: The album navigates a wide sonic range, blending dissonant post-hardcore elements with more harmonic indie rock textures. Gritty guitars, layered with cello and keyboards, create a rich backdrop. Tracks range from propulsive, hard-hitting compositions to more restrained, pop-influenced tunes. The use of dual drumming on certain songs adds complexity to the rhythmic structure, creating dynamic shifts throughout the record.
Evolution of Sound: Cursive continues to evolve with Devourer, incorporating more experimental arrangements compared to earlier works. The addition of new band members has expanded their instrumental range, resulting in a fuller, more textured sound. While still rooted in the post-hardcore energy of early albums like Domestica, the band now explores a broader emotional landscape, blending discordant elements with more polished sections. The album feels both like a natural progression and a bold step forward.
Artists with Similar Fire: Fans of Thursday, The Get Up Kids, and At The Drive-In will find similarities in Cursive’s intense approach. Bands like Self Defense Family and Fiddlehead share Cursive’s knack for emotionally charged, biting soundscapes, while older contemporaries such as Bright Eyes and The Faint share the Omaha scene’s DNA.
Pivotal Tracks: “Botch Job” sets the tone with its driving energy and reflective lyrics. “The Avalanche of Our Demise” and “Bloodbather” stand out for their intense, complex arrangements, while “Consumers” encapsulates the album’s central themes. “Up and Away” offers a softer contrast but carries an intense undertone, while “Dark Star” shifts the mood with its slower, more contemplative pacing. Each track contributes to the album’s thematic and sonic narrative.
Lyrical Strength: Tim Kasher’s lyrics explore profound themes of human desire, personal and societal consumption, and the struggle for control. With narratives focused on characters driven by unchecked appetites, the songs tackle subjects like imperialism, personal ambition, and anxiety. Kasher’s introspective lyricism challenges listeners to reflect on the broader implications of everyday actions and personal growth, while remaining grounded in the personal, adding layers of complexity to the album’s message.
TIM KASHER REVIEW HISTORY
Middling Age (2022) / Adult Film (2013)
CURSIVE LINKS
Official Website | Instagram | Facebook | Bandcamp | Run For Cover Records
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