Titus Andronicus // The Most Lamentable Tragedy

Titus Andronicus

The Most Lamentable Tragedy

Merge

4.5/5 stars

Patrick Stickles and his Titus Andronicus bandmates are no strangers to ambitious endeavors, so the release of a 29-song, 93-minute punk opera isn't as surprising as it usually would be for another act. The lengthy rocker centers on Our Hero, an insecure, confused man who is confronted by his well-adjusted doppelganger. The album may not be directly about Stickles (although you can never be too sure), but the frontman still imbues the album with a passion matched by few singers, giving fiery performances backed by Springsteen-inspired punk rock that can't help but rouse your spirit. Sure, The Most Lamentable Tragedy may seem long at times (it is a 29-song release, after all), but that's because it acts more as a film than an album. Close your eyes and delve into Stickles' detailed lyrics and you can immerse yourself into the story of Our Hero. Titus Andronicus swung for the fences with The Most Lamentable Tragedy, and the band knocked it out of the park. — Alex Bieler