post rock / post-metal
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Well, talking about a highly anticipated album, here's one for the ages. It's no secret that Mono and The Ocean are quite good friends, often appearing together on festivals. Both bands have been existence for over 15 years and recorded numerous masterpieces in their respective genres.
Currently, they're even on tour together, joined by Solstafir, another band with a solid live reputation. So a cooperation was inevitable and that comes in the form of an awesome split. One track per band but nonetheless twenty-four minutes of atmospheric musical bliss. Both songs are inspired by death and what happens to our bodies and souls once we no longer roam this material earth.
Mono delivered a great track again, incorporating all the typical ingredients. This Japanese masterclass band comes up with an elaborate post-rock anthem, loaded with soundscapes, distorted guitars, piano and massive drums. The eleven minutes lasting 'Death In Reverse' fits perfectly in Mono's already impressive oeuvre, beautifully alternating between calm soothing passages and intense outbursts.
The Ocean (Collective) seems to start out borrowing some elements from dark jazz, opening calm with piano, violens and jazzy drums. Gradually other instruments fade in until the song finally picks-up that intense The Ocean sound. As expected, 'The Quiet Observer' nudges a lot more towards the sludge/metal-side of music than the Mono track does but it remains a stunning piece atmospheric music.
Is this split a must have? Well, if you're a fan of either of both bands, it definitely is. After all, the songs are exclusively written and recorded for this record. Besides, they're not just outtakes from other recording sessions. They constantly maintain the excellent musical efforts that we can expect from these acts. So no big surprises, just high quality music from two of the world's hardest working bands.
Serge
Currently, they're even on tour together, joined by Solstafir, another band with a solid live reputation. So a cooperation was inevitable and that comes in the form of an awesome split. One track per band but nonetheless twenty-four minutes of atmospheric musical bliss. Both songs are inspired by death and what happens to our bodies and souls once we no longer roam this material earth.
Mono delivered a great track again, incorporating all the typical ingredients. This Japanese masterclass band comes up with an elaborate post-rock anthem, loaded with soundscapes, distorted guitars, piano and massive drums. The eleven minutes lasting 'Death In Reverse' fits perfectly in Mono's already impressive oeuvre, beautifully alternating between calm soothing passages and intense outbursts.
The Ocean (Collective) seems to start out borrowing some elements from dark jazz, opening calm with piano, violens and jazzy drums. Gradually other instruments fade in until the song finally picks-up that intense The Ocean sound. As expected, 'The Quiet Observer' nudges a lot more towards the sludge/metal-side of music than the Mono track does but it remains a stunning piece atmospheric music.
Is this split a must have? Well, if you're a fan of either of both bands, it definitely is. After all, the songs are exclusively written and recorded for this record. Besides, they're not just outtakes from other recording sessions. They constantly maintain the excellent musical efforts that we can expect from these acts. So no big surprises, just high quality music from two of the world's hardest working bands.
Serge