This EP comes from the same Finnish artist Sergei whose evocative and intensely vibrant EP “Chameleon Wasteland” I reviewed 3 years ago in his guise of Tørrential. The artist makes much of transcending genres, and I can vouch for that where Tørrential was concerned. Thematically, behind “Liminal Rain” is a portrayal of loss and an exploration of feelings. So, the music, the concept and indeed the person behind it are intense. What is important then is that Sergei doesn’t lose us on the way. The place I chose to start was to watch the video of “Joists”. It’s a weird and disturbing visual piece, while musically it’s accessible, recalling the rich, melodic but heartfelt songsmanship of Charon, now long gone from the scene.
Opening up the album is “Colours of You”. The song develops from a straightforward and pleasant melodic hard rock-metal song to an explosion of anger and a pensive saxophone-laced ending. There is undoubtedly a message in the words but whilst I understand it was an expression of pain, it was a bit word-heavy for me but not as much the last two songs, as it turned out. “Looking into your eyes I see the answer deep inside” is par for the course. “Joists” works much better with its mix of heaviness, melody and harmonies. As a song it has great power and is a better vehicle for its message, I suggest. Sergei’s reflections feature heavily on “Lock” but whilst I listened closely to the cascade of melancholia, I found more interest in the explosive guitar patterns which cause this song to cry out. “Thoroughfares” once again struck a chord in its way but the mix of the song and lyrical content made it too complex for its own good.
“To everyone who misses someone” is the adage that goes with this release. I felt that Sergei’s musical ambition was stifled here by the heartfelt angst behind the words. I know people who would dote on every word and expression of anguish, and associate themselves with every sentiment, but that isn’t me and I didn’t feel connected. It’s not an easily digestible work. Yet there was power in the music of “Liminal Rain” which I greatly appreciated, but even then it didn’t live up to its genre-transcending billing. But do check out “Joists”, which was the highlight for me on this otherwise disappointing and underwhelming EP.
(6/10 Andrew Doherty)
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