![]() ![]() There are key elements that make training montages different from any other. Yet, overtime, taking these montages and transforming them for other genres became more and more popular. ![]() These specific montages were popular in American cinema, specifically in the realm of movies about sports. From drinking raw eggs to practicing spells, these training montages not only cut the time spent on showing humdrum material, but aid in demonstrating the progression of strength that has resulted from training. If the rest of Bleed Out is anything like this single, we have much to look forward to.The lead-up to the climax of a film’s battle, or big fight, usually entails a sequence of training, showing the hard work and dedication the main character(s) put in to win. And that versatility is one of the great joys of this band - that every new project can feel like a fresh start (and indeed might feature different band members) while retaining a familiar sound. Its energy presents a contrast to the ominous cast of the last album, Dark In Here. “Training Montage” feels like the start of a new era, complete with a charming music video. The sounds and the people making them feel nearer to your ears, and I am grateful for anything that gets me closer into the brilliant mind of John Darnielle. As much as I revel in the staticky, homemade texture of older sessions, the crispness of “Training Montage” is a treat. The two peter out, leaving the listener still reeling in feverishness.Īlicia Bognanno’s production on this track only elevates its quality. At around three minutes, there is a departure from the pattern thus far: the rhythm becomes excitingly dizzy, the tone almost dissonant, descending into only the electric and acoustic guitars circling each other in a face-off to find out who will get the last word. It is very stirring physically and emotionally, like I might go do some pushups or perhaps cry. The backing vocals accompanying Darnielle are fairly rare for this band, and the effect is one of unity, of a whole lot of people joining this prisoner in his cause. This one is no different - each iteration of this chorus feels like being shaken by the shoulders. You often get the sense in his lyrics that we are perpetually on the edge of a monumental decision, one which will seal our fates forever and which we all need to clamor to have a say in. Justice is a common theme with the Mountain Goats, with these lyrics reminiscent of 2015’s The Legend of Chavo Guerrero: “I need justice in my life - here it comes.” Darnielle is skilled at drawing the listener in, making it feel like these stakes impact all of us. He longs to avenge the ones “left to twist in the wind,” and everyone is “ready for justice” in his upcoming trial. The song revolves around the speaker’s yearning for revenge, and its resolute mood suggests that he is ready to fight no matter the cost. These vivid details mean that you, as the listener, are not so much invited as airlifted in. The multiple references to sweat are apt for the timing of the single’s release, at the start of what is shaping up to be a blisteringly hot summer. ![]() ![]() Here, his condition as a prisoner on trial whose fate hangs in the balance is described through evocative illustration: it’s hot, the pipes are leaking, everyone is impatient as they wait for the final decision. The abrupt start of the chorus conjures up the image of Darnielle on a stool shouting “I’M DOING THIS FOR REVENGE,” as the band glides into an upbeat tempo.ĭarnielle is an acclaimed lyricist, particularly skilled at situating the listener in time and place. The song, which is cinematic both in title and cover art, first lulls you into thinking it might be one of the Mountain Goats’ laidback, single-guitar tunes, but it accelerates suddenly 30 seconds in with the appearance of a full band, lifting like a speedboat exiting a no wake zone. Prolific frontman John Darnielle has cited his inspiration for this new work as action movies from the 1970s and 80s, specifically Jean-Claude Van Damme & Bruce Lee montages. The widely-beloved indie folk band has released the new track as the first from their forthcoming album Bleed Out, the arrival of which will mark the fourth year in a row that the Mountain Goats have released a new studio album. From the first few strums of the acoustic guitar, the new single “Training Montage” is instantly recognizable as the Mountain Goats. ![]()
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