post metal / blackgaze / space rock

It's a heart-warming thing to see bands who are struggling to survive in this current climate, turn their attention to those battling with something that unfortunately, can't be fixed by a laboratory made vaccine, or a quick jab in the arm. Mental health is a constant day to day struggle for so many and any way of highlighting this has to be commended. So hats off to “post-everything” newcomers Agvirre and “space-rock's” Dead Cosmonauts who are releasing their forthcoming split single titled "Eye Of Mirrors", presented on a very unique 8" vinyl courtesy of Sheffield's "Do It Thissen Records".

The double-A sided split single is now available as a digital download on their respective Bandcamp stores, with all proceeds going to MIND mental health charity. Pre-orders for a very special limited lathe cut 8" vinyl with a double-sided sleeve will commence on April 2nd, so that's a nice piece of memorabilia to have for all those vinyl enthusiasts out there (myself included).

So, to the two tracks that have been released. Manchester's Agvirre release "The Letting Go", and have created a swirling and uplifting slice of blackened, grunge-infused high octane “black-gaze” that unfolds into a fierce and relentless wall of sound. The clever addition of the violin along with chanting and harmonised vocals only adds to the atmosphere and perfectly compliments the “shoe-gaze” dominated vibes. A torrent of blast-beats with double bass thuds and intense, high pitched screams complete the cacophony of fury and power. Its fresh uplifting and brings to mind the brilliance of Show Me A Dinosaur's "Plantgazer" album.  I'm definitely going to be keeping an eye on future releases from these guys. A terrific track.

Sheffield based Dead Cosmonauts take a daring and very successful stab at Vangelis' iconic Blade Runner (End Credits) theme and transform it into a crazy, psychedelic, post-rock trip. Patience is rewarded with this slow-burner of a track. Warm, textured interludes bring way to explosive guitars and crashing drums to create a futuristic and sci-fi inspired journey. Lead guitars scream and soar while the bass and rhythm guitars keep it all pinned down to the earths surface. A lot of layers and sounds are squeezed into the eight minutes running time, but it all sounds clean, airy and space-like. Re-imagining classic themes isn't an easy thing to do, but this is solid, memorable and shows the talent and creativity Dead Cosmonauts have in their arsenal. Well done guys.

Hopefully, everybody Will listen and ultimately purchase this digital download, and consider the vinyl to go with it, I know I certainly will. Congratulations to both Agvirre and Dead Cosmonauts on bringing the fight on mental health to the forefront. 

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Pat O'

blackgaze / post rock

On a wet and dreary winters evening, one of lifes little pleasures is chilling out with a bottle or two of ice-cold beer and passing a few hours wandering through the vast euphonic wilderness that is Bandcamp. I tend to get lost in it every couple of months, and when I do, there’s a great sense of triumph and gratification when I unearth a band whos sound instantly clicks and has someting unique about them. Back in 2017, I came across Denmarks Nordsind, and their EP “Efterar”. 

It was an EP laden with fantastic melodies and power. I was hooked, root-and-branch, by its “blackgaze” greatness. Nordsind had something unique in their sound, something that was very distinguishable but at the same time I couldn’t quite nail it down. Either way, the vinyl was purchased and it has spent many happy days spinning its magic!. So here we are in 2021 and the great news is that a full album is due for release in March in the shape of “Lys” (Light in English). To say that I'm excited about this album is an understatement, and after listening to it on repeat all week, I can honestly say that it has delivered big time.

Before the music even begins, the first thing that will catch your eye is the heart-warming artwork of Joshua Macquary. It’s a charming and spellbinding piece that compliments the album title and concept perfectly. The opening track “Lo” kicks off proceedings with  some breezy, swirling guitars. Mid-tempo drums kick in, and the music begins to sculpt and shapes itself. Rich guitar tremolo picking and a parallel bass line fill the air with harmony and melody. As the track opens up and changes pace, the guitars continue to swirl and whip up a formidable wall of sound that  will have you on a musical high. Its a really strong opening track.

“Portræt I Skygger” crashes in with a stirring melody and dips its toe into that heavy “post black” sound without ever fully committing itself to it. It holds back just enough to whet the appetite and keep you on edge. Drums start to dominate the track and control the music until finally, the shackles fall, and you are given that powerful release you’re craving for. Double bass kicks and blast beating drums play with great force, while the guitars drive forward with that opulent and rampant “blackgaze” sound. This track really showcases the tone and resonance that Nordsind radiate. Their riffs, to me, are unmistakable.

“Når Himlen Falder, Kommer Lyset Tættere På” and “Drømmefanger” follow with all the beauty and grandeur that has already come before it. Rich emotive passages of music are interwoven with full on atmospheric crescendos. Its warm, honest and heavy. To add to the drama, some haunting and soul-stirring trumpet playing is added to the mix, creating some hair-raising moments to lose yourself in.

I remember watching these guys perform on the Vivid Festival virtual experience last year. The emotion and power in their delivery was electrifying to say the least. As I mentioned at the beginning of this review, Nordsind have something unique in their sound that I was unable to pinpoint at first. I now think it's down to their ability to create soundscapes and melodies that are natural and organic. Their music flows effortlessly, beautifully simplistic and unforced, but still decisively  harmonic. Its wholly immersive.

The track that has been released as a teaser is “Mørke” and is a strange choice on first listen. A distorted and curious intro fills the air before some sultry guitars gently serenade the listener. Watery vocal synths roll over the music and form a warm, calm ambience. There is an expectation that the pace of the track will pick up and grow into a big crashing crescendo, but it doesn’t. Instead, it simply fades out into the distant hinterland. For me It seems more like a closing track of an album with its serene and restful ending, but hey, what do I know!, it's still a gorgeous track.

The last two pieces of music on the album “Midnatssol” and “Ilddåb” are Nordsind at their heaviest and fastest. Swirling blast beats with gorgeous riffs and steely bass dominate the space. Interludes of calm and tranquillity only serve as moments of reflection before getting swept back up into the throes of a blackgazed frenzy. 
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This is a very solid and stirring release that should put Nordsind right up there with all the current “blackgaze” favourites. This album is a tale of both joy and sadness that is told through music. If you crave the spirit, melody and measured ferocity that the “post black” / “blackgaze” genres bring, then “Lys” must be on your to do list. It has all the ingredients needed to become a contender for AOTY.  

Pat O'