-=- SHGZ -=-
* Shoegaze * Indie * Post-rock * Grunge * Dream Pop * Ambient * Ethereal *
Artist..: Shy, Low
Album...: Hiraeth
GENRE....: Rock
STYLE....: Post Rock
LABEL....: Spartan SCENE.....: 2016-02-10
BITRATE..: 706 kbps avg STORE.....: 2015-00-00
ENCODER..: FLAC 1.2.1 -8 -V TRACKS....: 6
SIZE.....: 219.7MB SOURCE....: CD
URL..: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shy,_Low
- TRACKLIST
1 Nostos 8:08
2 Saudade 6:13
3 Anomic 8:51
4 Hiraeth 3:34
5 Algos 6:38
6 Times Gone By 9:23
Total Playtime: 42:47
Hiraeth: a word without a concrete English translation. While evading an
unequivocal definition, it exudes melancholy. Those who have attempted to
define it describe the word as a mixture of homesickness, nostalgia, grief,
and longing. It is the oppressive guilt associated with memories now passed;
the bitter remembrance of joyous occasions that can never be revisited. It is
also the title of Shy, LowÆs full-length album on Spartan Records. Just like
the word Hiraeth itself, Shy, LowÆs continual evolution make them a band that
is not easy to define. While it would be convenient to corral the band into
the bucket of canonical post-rock bands like Mono, Mogwai, and This Will
Destroy You, on "Hiraeth", Shy, LowÆs eclectic palate of musical influences
are showcased more broadly than ever before. The band earnestly sifts through
the complex relationship between music, art, and the emotions that
encapsulate the human experience ù and in doing so, theyÆve successfully
created a brilliantly moving, yet strangely bittersweet 43 minute aural
journey.
*
After three years, an eponymous debut record, and an EP (Binary Opposition)
of sprawling and occasionally post metal leaning instrumentals, Richmond VA
based Shy, Low chose a different trajectory for their latest opus and in so
doing have produced one of the most emotional and unabashedly beautiful post
rock records I have heard in quite a while. The direction as well as the
title of the album all began with the song that ended up as the closing
track.
Hiraeth: a word without a concrete English translation. While evading an
unequivocal definition, it exudes melancholy. Those who have attempted to
define it describe the word as a mixture of homesickness, nostalgia, grief,
and longingàThe first song written for the record was the closing track,
ôTimes Gone By.ö It left each member of the band feeling strangely nostalgic,
invoking a sense of happiness for past pleasures that was accompanied by an
underlying sadness for the inability to relive those experiences. And so it
set the tone for the rest of the album.
As good a choice as it was to end the album with æTimes Gone ByÆ, opening it
with æNostosÆ might prove an even better one. Embroidered with rich ambient
textures and boasting melodic hooks galore, it alternately shimmers and soars
as it builds toward a positively anthemic ending without ever losing the
underpinning of longing and melancholy.
The glowering bass line and explosive passages of the more somber æSaudadeÆ
perhaps come closest to matching the sound of their previous records and
serve to remind that the band has plenty of gravitas and raw power to call
upon where needed. But even here, there is room for delicate interplay of
the guitars and redemptive beauty to shine. æAnomicÆ on the other hand starts
off as a tender waltz that slowly winds its way toward a grandiose crescendo
and features some quite inventive and versatile guitar work in between. The
ambient title track and æAlgosÆ pair up to make the most effusive and
beautiful part of the record, the latter featuring some lovely work on the
violin by guest musician Jessika Blanks.
While the aching melodies, earnest delivery, and elegant arrangements are the
fundamental elements make Hiraeth such a strong record, it is the nuances
that make it an exceptional one. The bandÆs willingness to leave open spaces,
organic approach, and mastery of dynamics means the album never jeopardizes
the promise of its immersive emotional experience with jarring or overblown
passages. The tone and balance feel just right from start to finish. Rather
than burn hot and burn out, Hiraeth is a steady long player that just seems
to get better with every spin.
The album features exquisite cover by art by Hallie Rose Taylor.
-=- SHGZ -=-
P.S.
** Thanks ***
*** BCC FNT IPC SSR ***
*** For Knowing Where The Music Is At ***
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* NuHS we miss you! *
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