Slowrun hails from Finland and was founded in 2011. Two years later, a first full-length ('Prologue') was released, now followed by 'Resonance'. The album is loaded with atmospheric and cinematic post-rock, completed by ambient soundscapes. Perhaps it's not the most original post-rock album you'll hear this but when it reaches this level of quality, that doesn't really matter. Besides, beyond the melancholy, you can almost feel the joy of playing this music.
Slowrun seems to avoid the heavy outbursts and instead focuses on creating floating soundscapes, gently enhanced with drums, guitars strums and plucks. In that aspect they remind me a bit of Alice In The Cites, who also rather create pleasurable music than overwhelm the audience with distortion. That being said, yes, there are some strong, energetic passages and they are highly immersive but they never overrule the soothing atmosphere.
Much like the Celestial Wolves album a short while ago, Dunk! Records once again managed to release a classic and vintage post-rock album. It's hard to pick a favorite track, but I have to say that I really dig the melodies in 'Blinding Light' and the dark rock guitars of 'Remember'. Yes, there's a hint of Anathema and Tiamat in this music, but that's also present in bands like Explosions In The Sky and post-rock superheroes Godspeed! You Black Emperor.
So should you buy this? If you're a post-rock fan, you should already have done that. If not, get your ass over to the Stargazer store and get one now. There's no way you should miss out on this excellent piece of music. And when you visit Dunk!Festival, you are more than welcome to come find me in the back of the tent and give me a beer to thank me for this recommendation. You'll recognize me as the one in the THISISNOTABANDSHIRT shirt, with my eyes closed, enjoying this masterpiece live.
Serge