Bright Eyes
Five Dice, All Threes
Dead Oceans [2024]
Album Overview: Bright Eyes formed in the mid-1990s, driven by the creative force of Conor Oberst, alongside Mike Mogis and Nate Walcott. They quickly gained a reputation for emotional intensity and expansive storytelling. Over nearly three decades, the group has developed a strong following, moving from bedroom recordings in Omaha to worldwide recognition. With a discography that includes beloved records like Lifted or The Story Is in the Soil, Keep Your Ear to the Ground (2002) and I’m Wide Awake, It’s Morning (2005), the band has continually explored themes of personal turmoil and societal observation. Bright Eyes’ consistent ambition has shaped their place as one of the most influential indie acts of their time. Five Dice, All Threes shows Bright Eyes embracing a more immediate and loose approach compared to their previous work. The album was created during a period of renewed collaboration, sparked by a series of informal songwriting sessions between Oberst and Alex Orange Drink. The resulting tracks showcase a blend of energetic rock elements with reflective and experimental moments. This self-produced effort builds on the band’s established sound while incorporating guest appearances from artists like Cat Power, Matt Berninger (The National), and Alex Orange Drink.
Musical Style: The musical direction on Five Dice, All Threes draws from a wide range of influences. The record brings together energetic rock songs with more contemplative, experimental compositions. The arrangements feature moments of garage rock energy, alongside more intricate, melodic sections that incorporate piano, horns, and textured production. The band balances raw, live takes with careful orchestration, creating a dynamic and varied sonic landscape. Five Dice, All Threes finds Bright Eyes in a less intense place; though the lyrics still hit a nerve, the musical delivery feels lighter than some of their earlier work.
Evolution of Sound: Bright Eyes has always been known for evolving across albums, and Five Dice, All Threes continues this trend. While previous records like Down in the Weeds, Where the World Once Was (2020) leaned into a more polished, atmospheric production style, this album revisits a more stripped-down, live-band feel. The decision to embrace first takes and a fast-paced recording process brings a raw quality to the performances, signaling a shift towards a looser, more spontaneous approach. The record also features big-name guests, with Cat Power and Matt Berninger taking lead on “The Time I Have Left.”
Artists with Similar Fire: Listeners of Five Dice, All Threes will find similarities with bands like The National and Wilco, who share a focus on lyrical depth and layered arrangements. The record’s rawer elements and collaborative spirit evoke comparisons to artists like Death Cab For Cutie, Pedro The Lion, and M. Ward. Bright Eyes continues to appeal to fans of introspective and emotionally charged songwriting, much like the aforementioned artists.
Pivotal Tracks: Key moments on Five Dice, All Threes include the rocking track “Rainbow Overpass,” where Oberst shares vocal duties with Alex Orange Drink, blending punk energy with personal reflection. The track “Spun Out” introduces a sense of weirdness, incorporating samples, turntable scratching, vocal effects, and conflicting guitars with piano. Meanwhile, “Tiny Suicides” and “All Threes” provide slower, more introspective pieces, with “All Threes” standing out for its piano-driven arrangement and fluid, lyrical interplay with Chan Marshall (Cat Power).
Lyrical Strength: Oberst’s songwriting on Five Dice, All Threes explores themes of personal reflection, mortality, and the complexities of human experience. His ability to juxtapose personal anecdotes with larger philosophical observations creates unique lyrical depth. The album’s lyrics shift between straightforward commentary and more abstract, surreal imagery, offering multiple layers of meaning. Oberst’s references to literary figures and cultural icons enhance the richness of the album’s narrative.
BRIGHT EYES REVIEW HISTORY
Down In The Weeds, Where The World Once Was (2020)
CONOR OBERST REVIEW HISTORY
Ruminations (2017) / Upside Down Mountain (2014)
BRIGHT EYES LINKS
Website | Instagram | Facebook | Bandcamp | Dead Oceans
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