Everything In The End

Spread throughout several locations in the Pacific Northwest, dream pop group Tears Run Rings only sporadically come together for in-person sessions or concerts, more often recording in their home studios and virtually trading files. Everything in the End is their first album since 2016s In Surges, and was created with the thought that it could possibly be the bands final work together. Envisioned as a double album, Everything in the End cycles through different moods with each of its four sides, although the borders arent clearly defined when one listens to the album straight through. The bands sound inevitably brings to mind Slowdive, but on this album in particular, TRR space the songs out and write more nuanced hooks. There are some more immediate moments, such as the jangly yet hazy alternative rock of "Helios Helada," but even these will feature extended outros that let the feelings linger. "XO" matches its lyrics of romantic devotion with an appropriately yearning melody, which is clear and expressive without being melodramatic. "Abandon" is beautifully evocative and mysterious, sauntering in before arriving at a gorgeous chiming guitar bridge, and continuing its divine ascendance. The soft, steady pulse of "Since Youve Gone" eloquently expresses the disenchantment of a breakup, elevated by shimmering electronics and sighing backup vocals. "Nothing More" has a glorious wash of guitars, crashing against the slow but persistent drums. TRR prefer meditative immersion to overwhelming rushes of energy, but their music is still deeply emotive, and Everything in the End is ultimately a highly rewarding experience. ~ Paul Simpson