Heavy Music of the Week is a characteristic on Heavy ipromiseyoumedia breaking down the highest metallic, punk, and arduous rock tracks you could hear each Friday. This week, we spotlight Elder’s 13-minute epic “Liminality.”
Elder dropped the improbable A/B single “Liminality / Deep House Return” on Monday, calling again to their 2012 A/B “Spires Burn / Launch,” one of many strongest releases of their discography. With their usually prolonged, multi-movement items, it’s an ideal supply methodology for Elder’s music: What would quantity to lower than an EP’s price of fabric for many bands turns into a bite-sized encapsulation of Elder’s distinct model of prog.
The spotlight right here is undoubtedly the 13-minute A-side “Liminality.” Elder have lengthy been related to the stoner rock circuit, however that style was at all times a bit too pigeonholed to actually describe what the band does. Think about HUM going full prog after Downward Is Heavenward, and also you’re getting nearer to the sound of this tune and far of the band’s music in recent times. The surging low-end rumble created by bassist Jack Donovan and the customarily stunning guitar-work of Nick DiSalvo could possibly be transposed to heavy shoegaze or post-hardcore, and that provides a tonality to Elder’s music that’s arduous to seek out elsewhere.
The band additionally is aware of how one can weave a tapestry, therefore the prog tag. Hardly ever does a boring motion make the minimize, whether or not it’s DiSalvo shredding away or selecting to sing, or a krautrock-esque rhythmic transition (just like the half the place the tambourine is available in, hitting a giant payoff after a extra guitar-based part). Talking of DiSalvo’s vocals: Age has performed them effectively. He might generally come off a bit fey, however now he sings with a barely deeper register that advantages his underrated melody work.
Take a look at the band’s quick movie for the total A/B single beneath.
Honorable Mentions:
Agnostic Entrance – “Method of Conflict”
“Method of Conflict” is Agnostic Entrance at their most metallic — extra crossover thrash than hardcore punk — with the band dispensing galloping riffs and breakneck grooves to go with the commanding barks of frontman Roger Miret. His vocals are proper up entrance within the combine, presenting his grim lyrics with out obfuscation.
Writer & Punisher – “Titmouse”
All people loves a tufted titmouse, these adorably cute little birds. In contrast, Writer & Punisher‘s “Titmouse” is neither cute nor lovable. That is bludgeoning sludge metallic within the vein of the Melvins’ Stoner Witch, albeit extra mechanized. The one-man instrument-wielding metallic act provides industrial touches, together with Merzbow-style noise manipulations and a chilly sterility to the pummeling percussion.
Corrosion of Conformity – “Hearth and Water”
Corrosion of Conformity give Free’s “Hearth and Water” the southern boogie metallic therapy with this live-in-the-studio rendition. Axeman and singer Pepper Keenan has been a busy man, splitting duties with CoC, who’re at present on tour with Judas Priest and Alice Cooper, and the supergroup Down, who’re prepping a brand new album. This observe serves as a pleasant preview of each. Keenan is cooking on that fretboard.
