IAH ~ V ..... review

There have been some truly impressive bands to have come out of the Argentinian underground rock scene, some we have covered on these very pages, but there is one band whom for Desert Psychlist stand head and shoulders above all the rest and that is Córdoba trio IAH, Juan Pablo Lucco Borlera (bass); Mauricio Condon (guitar & synths) and José Landín (drums). IAH are an instrumental band so have had no need to make compromises to reach an international audience and this has seen the band build up a significant fan base stretching over many borders, you just have to take a peek under the artwork of each of their albums on Bandcamp and see the faces of those who have bought those releases for proof of that. The band return this year (2023), six years after the release of their self -titled debut "IAH", with their latest album "V", expect to see those same faces, plus many many more, sitting under this one too.

"Kutno", the song that opens "V", sees IAH going large from the offset, a just over ten minute full on sonic experience built around rolling drum patterns and fractured chord progressions interspersed with passages of post-metal languidity, an intriguing and enthralling mix of crunching ugliness and serene beauty that is pure IAH but at the same time not exactly typical of their sound. "Madre de los suspiros" follows, its almost indie rock sounding guitar tones and synth textures combining to create an almost cinematic feel to the songs initial stages the song only moving towards a heavier dynamic as the song progresses whereby we are treated to thrumming bass riffs and heavy drum patterns accompanied by some stunning lead guitar work. Up next is "Yaldabaoth" a delicious blend of post metal and heavy psych routinely interrupted by heavy chugging riffs which is then followed by the very brief "Sono io!" an engaging and ambient guitar and synth piece. "Sentado en el borde de una pregunta" has a more stoner(ish) feel compared to what has gone before, its mixture of circular and galloping riffs even channelling a little Sabbathian essence in its attack. Final number "Las palabras y el mar" is another of IAH's songs with a cinematic feel that could, if expanded and used correctly, easily work as a movie soundtrack for one of those arty films budding directors tend to cut their teeth on, a stunning instrumental piece that actually does feel like its taking you on a journey.

Instrumental rock music is not everyone's cup of tea, many just won't entertain music that comes without a vocalist warbling gamely all over it, but for those who DO have a soft spot for instrumental grooves then IAH's "V" is "manna from heaven", an album that will instrumentally cater for your every mood, be that mood angry, sad, relaxed or agitated. 

Check it out .... 

© 2023 Frazer Jones