Cursive – I Am Gemini

Cursive is a band that is no stranger to the concept album. They have put out some of the best concept albums the indie world has ever heard, starting with 2000’s Domestica. Their current release I Am Gemini brings out a much heavier version of Cursive than has been heard in a long time. This album is based upon the concept of twin brothers (one is good and one is evil) and their unexpected meeting.

This album also shows Kasher moving away from the more personal songwriting that he is known for. Kasher is a great lyricist and singer, but usually his lyrics tend to be based around something personal. On this album Kasher gets away from that and is able to write some fantastic lyrics that tie the concept of the story together, each song seems to build on the next to bring you further and further into the concept.

This album also brings out a heavier side of Cursive that has not been seen in a long time. On the track “Eulogy for No Name” for example there is an almost sinister sound to the track throughout the song, before the heavy riffs burst forth in about the last minute of the song and bring back feelings of Cursive as they have not been heard on their previous couple albums.

The song “Wowowow” is a perfect example of the diversity that this albums showcases, this song seamlessly transitions from the screams of Kasher to a slowdown pairing him with a female vocalist in a soft touch to end the song.

This album showcases a truly diverse band that has been making great music for years. This may not go down as the greatest Cursive record ever made, but it is a very solid album by one of the best bands to come out of Omaha and is well worth picking up from your local record store.