Artist: Extra Life Album: Made Flesh

Year: 2010
Duration: 0:0-1

Discovering the Beauty and Complexity of Extra Life’s Made Flesh Album

Extra Life is an experimental rock band that released their fourth and last album, Made Flesh, in 2012. Their unique sound can be compared to other experimental bands like Animal Collective and Dirty Projectors, but with its own peculiar touch of darkness and intensity. Made Flesh is an album that explores the boundaries of rock music by blending free jazz, classical music, and metal, resulting in a mesmerizing sonic experience that challenges the listener’s musical sensibilities. In this blog post, I will take a critical approach to the album and explore its themes, best songs, and innovative aspects.

Made Flesh is a concept album that narrates a mystical story about a man who sells his soul to the devil, in exchange for wealth and power. The album explores the psychological and spiritual implications of such a pact, delving into themes of guilt, obsession, and the consequences of greed. The lyrics are abstract and poetic, creating a surrealist atmosphere that adds to the album's otherworldly charm.

One of the best songs in the album is Righteous Seed, a track that incorporates a wide range of influences, from classical music to doom metal. The song's structure is unconventional, with multiple sections that flow seamlessly into each other, creating an epic and immersive experience. The track's climax is a combination of dissonant guitars, dense drums, and ethereal vocals that culminate in a chaotic, yet beautiful, finale.

Another highlight of the album is the use of unconventional instruments, such as violins, cellos, and clarinets, which add a classical element to the songs. The band's leader, Charlie Looker, is also a trained opera singer, and his powerful vocals are a crucial part of Extra Life's sound. The album's instrumentation is dense and complex, with multiple layers that reveal new details with each listen.

The most innovative aspect of Made Flesh is the way the album blends different genres seamlessly. The songs take unexpected turns, shifting from jazz to metal, or from delicate ballads to aggressive rock anthems. Extra Life’s use of dissonance and experimentation is not just for the sake of being different, but rather to create an emotional and immersive experience that transcends the boundaries of traditional rock music.

In a critical perspective, one could argue that the album's complexity can also be a hindrance. Made Flesh requires multiple listens to fully appreciate, and its dense sound can be overwhelming at times. Some songs, like Voluptuous Life, feel out of place and act as a filler between the more memorable tracks. However, these minor flaws are outweighed by the album's overall beauty and ambition.

Extra Life's Made Flesh is a complex, ambitious, and unique album that pushes the boundaries of rock music. Its blend of jazz, classical, and metal influences results in a mesmerizing sonic experience that challenges the listener's musical sensibilities. The album's themes of guilt, obsession, and the consequences of greed are narrated through abstract and poetic lyrics that add to the surreal atmosphere. While the album's complexity can be a hindrance at times, its innovative use of unconventional instruments and the seamless blending of genres make for a compelling listening experience that rewards multiple listens. Made Flesh is a testament to Extra Life's creativity, ambition, and fearlessness in exploring new musical territories.