Secret Three

It's a debate that's been going on for ages: can a band get by without a vocalist? Many instrumental purists would scoff at the suggestion that their music lacks the direction that an overriding melody line would provide, but that theory rings true here more than ever. The need for a lead instrument is especially noticeable with the Secret Three, as their arrangements have left more than enough room for a featured leader. The music does its part as a perfectly minimal shell, but where similar artists like Low and the Wooden Stars have used this sound as the framework for something greater, much of Northern and Industrial can't help but be shrugged off as background music. Sure, the Secret Three have a staggeringly beautiful record on their hands, but most times pretty chords and relaxed musicianship just begs for something more to guide it along