Rainer Maria
Catastrophe Keeps Us Together
Grunion Records [2006]
Look Now Look Again was one of the standout emo records of the late ’90s, and ever since, any Rainer Maria release carries the weight of that expectation. On Catastrophe Keeps Us Together, the trio continues the progression they began on Long Knives Drawn [2003], emphasizing Caithlin De Marrais’s vocals more prominently while Kyle Fischer steps back to focus solely on guitar.
While the sonic focus feels more polished and pointed, it also comes at the cost of one of the band’s original charms—the emotionally tense dual vocal interplay. The songs here are still heartfelt and dynamic, shifting between upbeat rockers and more introspective fare. The inclusion of a Bob Dylan cover adds a nice touch of unpredictability, but overall, this album doesn’t quite hit the cathartic highs of earlier efforts. Still, fans of the band’s previous work will find enough quality here to stay engaged and hopeful for a return to the emotional depth and dual vocal intensity that first defined their sound.
KEY TRACKS
“Life Of Leisure” / “Terrified” / “Southpaw”
ARTISTS WITH SIMILAR FIRE
Mates of State / The Spinanes / The Forecast
A lifelong fan of new music—spent the '90s working in a record store and producing alternative video shows. In the 2000s, that passion shifted online with blogging, diving headfirst into the indie scene and always on the lookout for the next great release. Still here, still listening, and still sharing the best of what’s new.
- Christopher Anthonyhttps://thefirenote.com/author/canthony/
- Christopher Anthonyhttps://thefirenote.com/author/canthony/
- Christopher Anthonyhttps://thefirenote.com/author/canthony/
- Christopher Anthonyhttps://thefirenote.com/author/canthony/
