Album Review: This Town Needs Guns - 13.0.0.0.0

My passion for math-rock dates back to 2008 when I heard one of the most peculiar names ever. That odd moniker was the reason why I Googled the band - This town needs guns. After hearing their Animals album I was immediately hooked. Mind-blowing.

The Oxford-based band entered 2013 with the release of a kick-ass album and a new name. Based on the press released floating around the Internet, they are taking an admirable social position of going only by the abbreviation TTNG. As stated from the band, with the expansion of their music and all the craziness happening lately (you know what I'm talking about), they feel the irony of their name is no more implicit. Their decision is backed by a brilliant quote:

"It is the music that is important, not the name. As Shakespeare’s Juliet said “What’s in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet.’

I swerved away from the topic so let's talk about the album! Both the title 13.0.0.0.0 and the artwork present a reference to the Mayan Calendar, the end of one so-called "Grand Cycle" and beginning of another. The rebirth. I'm not sure whether this is related to their name change, but its certainly a sign that the band are looking for a fresh start. After the numerous line-up changes, TTNG recorded the album as a trio and with a new singer - Henry Tremain from Pennies'.

In many cases, the change of the lead singer is quite disruptive to the sound and general perception of a band but TTNG are not the case. I really enjoy the development of their sound and the direction they took with 13.0.0.0.0. In comparison to Animals, where they played emphasized on more technical guitar riffs and very complex drumming, I think their new album is significantly more melodic, mellow and placid. To be completely honest, I am not sure if I had completely grasped the general feeling of it, yet. However, it's been on my playlist for the past 3 days and for what it counts I find it as an absolute must-hear. I hope you take on my advice because these guys are doing great.

For the curious ones, my favourite tracks so far are "Left Aligned", "Havoc the forum" and "A different kind of Tall (small)". Drop me a line below and share yours!