Desert Psychlist described
Twin Speak's self titled debut album, in a short Bandcamp review blurb, as "
perfect for those times when you have overdosed on heavy riffs and just want something to chill to" and "
instrumental jam/stoner/desert rock that has a Colour Haze, Sungrazer, Causa Sui vibe" . Whether the band,
Brandon Battles (guitar),
Brett Rhymestine (guitar) and
Ian Bellassai (drums), agreed with those descriptions is not known but there must have been something in those words that resonated with the
Utica,
New York trio as they recently contacted
Desert Psychlist to point us in the direction of their latest release "
Soulss"
Instrumental music can sometimes come over a touch one dimensional , lacking in the lyrical hooks and phrasing a vocalist can bring to the table, relying instead on the strength and instrumental prowess of the musicians involved. Sometimes those strengths and skills can work against a band and find them wandering into areas of self-indulgent, mindless noodling, thankfully that is not the case here. "
Soulss" is not a pretty album but then nor is it an ugly one, there are moments of sheer beauty to be found throughout its forty two plus minute duration but there are also moments of discord and brutality,
Twin Speak balance out these opposing aspects by not allowing one or the other ever to become the dominant force, weaving those aspects into each of their songs, sometimes in sections, sometimes cleverly interlaced together. There is also an undeniable cinematic quality to many of the grooves on "
Soullss" with songs like "
Black On Biscay", "
Moonbathing" and "
Mantras & Monsters" undulating in both mood and tempo, executed as if the band are following a film script only they can see but want you to feel.
A lot more angular and convoluted than its predecessor "
Soulss" is nevertheless a stunning album that although not always easy on the ear is worth putting in the little extra effort needed to truly appreciate its, at times, breathtaking majesty.
Check it out ......
© 2018 Frazer Jones
This album grew on me after a few listens. The self-titled release leaned more desert/stoner and felt like one long journey. Soulss ventures towards a doomier and even more atmospheric style.
ReplyDeleteBe patient, listen a handful of times and let this disc overtake you. A plaintive lead completely changes the mood of the tune. The ever present organ mixed back, but it's the platform for the gorgeous guitar work and the at time disconnected drumming. The dynamics are stunning and used so effectively. I purchased the album maybe 10 days ago and cannot get the disc I made from the download more than 10-minutes away from my ears. I'm eagerly awaiting the album's arrival to see just how much more expansive this will sound. Among my 2,500 cd's and lp's this is heading towards the top of the heap along side Rubycon, Yessongs, Remember the Future, and Meddle. Ambient metal?!? I don't know, but whatever it may be it is a stunning collection of works.
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