drone / post-rock / doom
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It doesn't often happen that I start writing a review right after it comes in. So when I do, something special must be going on. In fact, several reasons can cause an album to be reviewed quite fast and the first one is already applicable to this e.p.: It's a welcome change from what I've been listening to today. Reason number two: it's a Belgian band (although their facebook says 'Jerusalem, Israel'). We'll get to the other reasons a little later. First let's introduce Wyatt E.
This band from Liege was formed by members of Deuil, The K. and Leaf House. The plan is to release six tapes in the near future. This two-track e.p. is the first and it makes me quite curious about what is coming on the other five. The music on this e.p. is a brilliant blend of post-rock, doom metal and drones, which is reason number three. I simply love these genres. The strong, gloomy atmosphere in these musical styles has always fascinated me and on this e.p. it's no different.
Musically I think it's safe to place Wyatt E. between bands like Nadja, Jesu and Fear Falls Burning. Both tracks are lengthy (12 & 15 minutes) instrumentals that vary from subdued pieces of drone ambient to intense pieces of monolithic doom metal, driving on layers of drones and perfect drums. Here and there some oriental influences are being incorporated as well. Halfway through 'Aswan' these elements remind me of Master Musicians Of Bukkake and that's another huge plus for this trio.
Now, don't think that this is just another band that throws layer upon layer of drones, override them with effects and quickly smashes some drums into the whole to make it interesting. No, these guys clearly know what they are doing and present a decent amount of musical skills as well as some experience in elaborate song structures. Add some fantastic percussion and Godspeed! You Black Emperor - like passages of freak-out post-rock and the result is stunning.
So I think I have enough reasons to favor this e.p. above some other stuff I have to review. Main reason of course is that this really is a magnificent piece of work and probably one that will often find my media player. If you're a post-rock, doom or drone fan, you should check this out. You won't be disappointed, that's for sure.
Serge
p.s. if anyone from Dunk!Festival reads this: this is my recommendation for next year's edition
This band from Liege was formed by members of Deuil, The K. and Leaf House. The plan is to release six tapes in the near future. This two-track e.p. is the first and it makes me quite curious about what is coming on the other five. The music on this e.p. is a brilliant blend of post-rock, doom metal and drones, which is reason number three. I simply love these genres. The strong, gloomy atmosphere in these musical styles has always fascinated me and on this e.p. it's no different.
Musically I think it's safe to place Wyatt E. between bands like Nadja, Jesu and Fear Falls Burning. Both tracks are lengthy (12 & 15 minutes) instrumentals that vary from subdued pieces of drone ambient to intense pieces of monolithic doom metal, driving on layers of drones and perfect drums. Here and there some oriental influences are being incorporated as well. Halfway through 'Aswan' these elements remind me of Master Musicians Of Bukkake and that's another huge plus for this trio.
Now, don't think that this is just another band that throws layer upon layer of drones, override them with effects and quickly smashes some drums into the whole to make it interesting. No, these guys clearly know what they are doing and present a decent amount of musical skills as well as some experience in elaborate song structures. Add some fantastic percussion and Godspeed! You Black Emperor - like passages of freak-out post-rock and the result is stunning.
So I think I have enough reasons to favor this e.p. above some other stuff I have to review. Main reason of course is that this really is a magnificent piece of work and probably one that will often find my media player. If you're a post-rock, doom or drone fan, you should check this out. You won't be disappointed, that's for sure.
Serge
p.s. if anyone from Dunk!Festival reads this: this is my recommendation for next year's edition