Track Listing

1. Section 21
2. Section 22
3. Section 23
4. Section 24
5. Section 25
6. Section 26
7. Section 27
8. Section 28
9. Section 29
10. Section 30
11. Section 31
12. Section 32

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #113640 in Music
• Released on: 2007-07-02
• Number of discs: 1

CD Description
'The Fragile Army' is the follow-up to 2004's 'Together We're Heavy', and sees The Polyphonic Spree build on an alreadysolid reputation for huge melodies, multiple harmonies and musical grandness. The Dallas-based group certainly has a unique sound, with a line up of over twenty people who blend catchy pop, gospel and psychedelic rock. Frontman/composer Tim DeLaughter shows growth here in his arrangements and dynamical variations, while staying true to The Polyphonic Spree's traditions. Singles include 'Running Away'.

Customer Reviews

A darker kind of hope
Following the exceptional but under-appreciated "Together We're Heavy" The Spree return in darker mode (both visually and musically. All the ingredients of their previous work are still there (huge sound, symphonic embellishments and abstract lyrical meanderings brought home by Tim and the choir) but the mix is different. A heavier, rockier sound is present. The drums are to the fore and the symphonic elements are subdued in the mix. The war in Iraq casts a shadow over the work and Tim gives one of the all-time great vocal deliveries in "Overblow your nest", the frustration of mortality sears through his voice, leaving the hairs standing up on the back of your neck. Hope still shines through though, as you would, well, hope from a Polyphonic album. It's kind of more of the same but with a different palette. Watching the video of the process of making the record was fascinating and showed the cracks in the fragile armour. Another grand, bold record but a little harder to swallow than the the sunshine and light of yore. It grows with every listen though.

A Third Fantastic Album
I wasn't sure at first what to make of this third album. There were a few tracks I loved immediately - just what you'd expect - but the remainder of the album failed to impress. However, after a few listens I began to appreciate the whole album. It's a little more dark than the previous two which probably caught me off guard and may catch you too, but don't worry, listen again tomorrow and you'll love it. The Spree are definitely on form!

worth a little effort
A less easy album to get into than their previous offerings but more rewarding, I think, when the effort is made - the songs are darker and more spikey this time around but with a richness and depth that shows the Spree are growing and developing as a band as their music grows with them. Stick with it and you'll be lavishly rewarded.