Review: The Body & Braveyoung - “Nothing Passes” (2011)

This is one of those collaborations that stands well on its own and transcends the individual styles of both bands. I knew what to expect from The Body after their crushing 2010 release All The Waters of the Earth Turn To Blood, but Braveyoung was a bit of a wildcard. The end result is not too far off from The Body’s sound on their previous release, but the music is tinged with a sinister undercurrent that helps these songs to seem more complete than the band’s usual material.
Instead of All The Waters’s relatively short, structured tracks, Nothing Passes is composed of an intro and three lengthy, wandering compositions. Each track is different, but all are infused with an oppressive, creeping ambience which only increases the tense, apocalyptic atmosphere. The Body’s trademark screams and choir effects make appearances, but vast ambient sections provide a welcome contrast that was lacking on the band’s last release. Presumably the more measured, ambient textures were Braveyoung’s contribution, and they certainly prove to be an essential part of this release.
The last track ‘The Vision’ is worth a mention. Instead of the dense, atmospheric doom that makes up the majority of the album, the final track is almost like a Southern hymn, consisting of a chorus of female vocals and little else. It shocks one’s sensibilities a bit at first, but fortunately its stark structure and eerie lyrics fit very well with the feel of the rest of the album, in fact helping to shape the overall vision and mood of this release. Risks like this can often make or break an album, and in this case the last track is what really helps to set the album apart. Whether you agree or not, Nothing Passes is guaranteed to be a memorable release.





