Now here’s a thing: a post-rock, ambient doom work which is experimental. Its creators Fere are from Portugal and this is their second album release.
The opener “Atlas” doesn’t tear up trees but I’d suggest is all the better for it as it calmly adds layers of musical quality and interest. It’s ambient without sending us into hazy space. ”Rerum”, which if my Latin hasn’t failed me means “Of Things”, by contrast has a quiet and hypnotic line which is like a ticking clock or heartbeat. Lush but proportionate guitar work expands the scene as the drum patters. Normally I like expanse but this veers away from bombast. Instead, it’s dramatic and because there’s no dominant force, this slightly moody progression is three dimensional. I’m not entirely sure what it’s all leading up to if anything. The official explanation is that “Visceral” is a “contemplative about memory, a map to our subconscious and some painful memories hidden in deepest corners of the mind”. The ringing guitar and drum work of “Reflexo” have a hint of the Middle East about it. It’s calming and meditative. It slows down and enters a dark and sinister world, but the pattern is the same. Again, it is not demonstrative or shocking but deeply atmospheric, broadening its scope to present a dark and shady soundscape. It is almost shocking when the guitar work becomes heavier and deeper. “Reflexo” closes almost psychedelically but most of all with menace. It’s all change again as strange mechanical sounds provide a backdrop for a constant guitar beat. The tune which follows is like an avant-garde version of the Shadows. All the time the beating heart of the continue as the track “Ossos” builds up pace in a post rock way before building up excitement and getting heavier. Strangely “Raiz” starts with the sound of whale noises, while presenting a mysterious ambience. This is like one of Cult of Luna’s quieter tracks. The progression is most definitely of a post-metal variety. It’s always cloudy but for once on this intriguing album it follows a familiar musical pattern instead of creating its own story, which is something I very much liked about this album.
“Visceral” has a quiet menace running through. It seems innocuous as it’s rarely heavy and never violent, but it’s rather like a psychological drip-feed which takes you over.
(8/10 Andrew Doherty)
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