Liars

Sisterworld

(Mute)

Record Review by Alexis Roberts

It’s probably safe to say that Sisterworld is the most mature Liars album to date. Over the past five albums they have grown from an arty, noisy group of deconstructivists to a band who are now focused more on the putting togther of songs than they ever have been. The apparent turning point in Liars' trajectory was when they released Drum's Not Dead (two albums ago), featuring the percussion heavy and sometimes frantic music that started to break them out of their old mold.

Following Drum's Not Dead came an equally impressive self-titled release which was another step toward what they’ve accomplished with Sisterworld. There are inklings on Sisterworld’s predecessors of what this band was really capable of producing. While Sisterworld still remains rather abstract and has its moments of suspense leading to something powerful and jarring (my personal favorite moment on this album is the building strings about a minute into "Here Comes all the People," potentially for its cinematic quality), overall this album feels more consistent and true to form than their last album, and savors all of the goodness and unification within songs that they had on Drum's Not Dead.

Sisterworld shows a growth that, by the fifth release, is somewhat necessary in order for a band to stay afloat. It also shows a level of integrity and a commitment to who this trio is as a band. These songs prove that risks were taken; yet they weren’t trying to be something other than themselves. It’s refreshing to come to find that Liars aren’t just another one trick pony.