At the Drive-In Albums (3)
'Relationship of Command'
Release Date 9/12/2000
Tracks 11
Label Virgin
See Album Tracklist and Review
What The Critics Say
Welcome to the breath-robbing, heart-pounding Relationship of Command, an album many have been waiting for with red-faced anticipation since their last EP, the brilliant Vaya. On this 11-track masterpiece, so full of adrenaline and swarming moods, ATDI has created one of the most infecting and mind-blowing rock albums in a long time. While most of the tracks are of the more aggressive edge, this is undeniably the band's most focused and well put together and, therefore, best all-around album yet. "Quarantined" and "Sleepwalk Capsules" alone make this album worth purchasing: This music is seamless and inspiring. Electronic movements meshed into "Enfilade" stretch the texture of the album further, into the unique backup vocals of Iggy Pop on "Rolodex Propaganda." Amidst all the rock, there is the undeniably unique edge about ATDI's sound, something that has permeated through their music from the Hell Paso 7". Beautiful vocals bursting passion in quirky, abstract, and often thrilling lyrics, youthful energy, driving melodies, and a sense of beyond-the-moment urgency. Moving from Relentless to Grand Royal, as well as to the notorious and mostly infamous producer Ross Robinson, has not killed the band's spirit or sound, as many loyal fans feared it would in the pattern of Jawbreaker, Jawbox, among others. If anything, it has allowed the band to push themselves to new limits, to fulfill what they have been working for relentlessly for so long. This is not a band that could ever be insincere. You can see it in their eyes and feel it in their music and work ethic. ATDI is one of the saviors of true emotional straight-up rock! ~ Blake Butler, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Raw energy in both performance and music has not recently been captured by a band quite the way At the Drive-In does. Anyone who has experienced their live show knows just what this five-piece rock/punk/emo band from Texas is capable of. The music takes a lot from driving melodic punk riffs, meshed together with quieter interlocking note-picking. With the catchy yet powerful music comes extremely forceful, heartfelt, and intense vocals that you can just feel the passion exploding from. Lyrics are often abstract and personal, but not too far gone. This is a must-have for just about anyone -- if you buy it and aren't fully amazed, just go see them live and the album will take on an entirely new meaning for you. ~ Blake Butler, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Though Acrobatic Tenement may only be a blueprint for the band's later albums, it comes fully formed -- and as forceful as a bullet to the head. Cedric Dixler's barked emotional ferocity is perfectly complemented by nimble dual guitars, while Pall's bass snakes in and out of the heady mix. The result is a lurching masterpiece of an album that threatens to explode -- or implode -- at any moment. Unlike most hardcore bands, At the Drive-In know the value of subtlety, a trick they use to create an elaborate punk/metal soundscape of rhythms and tempo shifts. Not that these guys don't rock; in fact, slowing down once in a while gives the harder sections even more intensity. This is great music in the tradition of the Stooges and Fugazi, and is reminiscent of both those bands at their best. Not just a great album of the post-everything '90s, but a true timeless masterpiece of oblique lyrical insights and furiously rocking good tunes. ~ Ari Wiznitzer, All Music Guide
