Track Review: Lower Dens – “Brains”

A textbook slow burner, “Brains,” the first cut from Nootropics, the sophomore effort of Baltimore’s Lower Dens, is one of those expansive, enveloping songs that leaves you feeling completely dazed. “Brains” builds from nothing to everything, guitars and synths seeping out and not washing over, but working their way in between the bass’ dull thump and a chugging pitter-patter snare drum that carries the entire song. Jana Hunter’s lyrics are drowned out for most of the song—save for some choice phrases — but the way her alto floats just right below the surface seems almost more apt; she soars especially during that last crescendo when coupled with chant-like bass vocals. The ensuing peak hits with an unexpected force. The synths buzz alongside well-placed gothic “ahhhs” as Hunter reassures, “Don’t be afraid, don’t be afraid.” As the instrumentals recede and “Brains” returns to its initial Spartan state, you’re left grasping at what was once all around you, maybe unsure of what exactly what that “what” was, because its one of those spacey, abyss tracks that takes you to the middle of everywhere and nowhere. It’s refreshing, if not also confusing. The real kicker for “Brains” though is that Lower Dens doesn’t let you forget just how you got there, that drum pattern still driving full speed ahead till the song closes.