For a long time now, the Do Makes have been one of the best bands this city has to offer. For close to fifteen years, they've been a model of consistency, producing five instrumental albums of poetic beauty. And while their origins can be traced back to a time when nearly every second indie band sounded like either Tortoise or Mogwai, they've escaped the burnout of 'post-rock' not only unscathed, but as potent as ever. Even their sixth full-length's most seemingly self-indulgent sins (like making a four-song album of ten-minute tracks, each named for one of the action verbs in the group's name) can't derail such a fine record. That's because Other Truths encapsulates the full range of this group with disarming candour and directness. It's remarkable how songs so long and meandering can maintain a connection with the listener at all times. And unlike their early days (which do still contain incredible songcraft), the group is far less likely to rely on easy tricks of dynamics, instead flexing their equally attuned, but far more subtle compositional muscle. They've yet to make even a mediocre record—and I for one wouldn't be surprised if they never do.
(Tickets are now on sale to see DMST perform at Harbourfront Centre's Enwave Theatre Sat. Dec 12 and Sun. Dec 13.)