Earth – Full Upon Her Burning Lips

Legendary experimental drone rock duo Earth consisting of guitarist Dylan Carlson and percussionist Adrienne Davies returns with the ninth record “Full Upon Her Burning Lips” which features a rather minimalist approach but is the result of an attentive exploration of styles and tonalities. 

“Datura’s Crimson Veils” is an epic lengthy track that relies mainly on intense guitar riffs flourishing in loop surrounded by enigmatic atmospheric nuances and enriched by bluesy melodic accents. 

“The Colour Of Poison” could make you space out and relax with enjoyable soul/r’n’b grooves and guitars are essential in the creation of stripped down fiery riffage that often showcases a classic doom inspiration. 

“She Rides An Air Of Malevolence” doesn’t really sound as malevolent as the cool title would make you think instead there are loads of spacey vibes spontaneously emerging through the comforting guitar melodies and the laid back rhythmic patterns. 

“An Unnatural Carousel” continues to offer cathartic guitar progressions and the mood becomes quite dreamy due to the soothing slow burning melodies basically stripped of any glamorous effects. 

There is a repetition of contemplative melodic moments on “The Mandrake’s Hymn” yet everything seems to amplify the raw energy of the vintage guitar sound also throwing some psychedelic elements in the mix. 

On “A Wretched Country Of Dusk” there are epic almost cinematic vibes with hints of positive energy as guitars can deliver brighter hopeful melodies mixed with some monumental riffs and hazy drone layers. 

The minimalist nature of “Full Upon Her Burning Lips” leads to an organic instrumental ensemble focused on the hypnotic power of guitar riffs and since Earth have been around for thirty years it’s not surprising to perceive a mature approach and a strong emotional drive throughout the album. 

Emma Ruth Rundle – On Dark Horses

Charismatic artist Emma Ruth Rundle returns with the magical fourth solo album “On Dark Horses” which will spellbind the listeners with an intimate songwriting style and hypnotic soundscapes.

“Fever Dreams” is a captivating album opener where post-rock elements tend to generate hazy atmospheres, moody waves of guitar melodies and edgy distorted crescendos that elegantly surround Emma’s haunting vocal performance characterized by sincere emotions and impeccable delivery.

“Control” begins with a mix of opulent serenity and melancholic feelings that enhances the intricate harmonious patterns and Emma’s graceful vocal delivery while guitars shift from minimalist melodies to significantly heavier blasts.

Emma’s voice is particularly enchanting on “Darkhorse” which can feel darkly romantic and profoundly sorrowful at the same time depicting introspective struggles through remarkable somber guitar melodies and hopeful feelings through dazzling rhythmic variations within dreamy atmospheric layers.

The eerie melodic splendor of “Dead Set Eyes” amplifies a bittersweet mood with nostalgia infused atmospheric arrangements yet darkly energetic guitar phrases are often fueled by a rather uplifting rhythmic urgency.

Lavish atmospheric textures and minimalist heartfelt melodies lead the way on “Light Song” which features a charming vocal duet with Evan Patterson and particularly dense guitar work marching through blurred post-rock inspired rhythmic segments.

“On Dark Horses” constantly evoke an emotional whirlwind as romanticism and darkness naturally embrace through these songs that Emma Ruth Rundle composes and performs following a stunning personal music vision.

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=obvHacBj6Sc

Boris – Dear

In their 25th year of existence Tokyo’s amplifier worshipping experimental metal power trio Boris daringly continues to push traditional music boundaries with rare elegance and the newest effort “Dear” is the product of pure artistic freedom and never refrains from exploring new sounds or alternative rhythmic patterns in order to create unexpected nuances and deviate from the average composition rules.

With a cinematic hypnotizing scenario “Deadsong” inevitably intrigues the audience with heavy funeral doom guitars and mysterious whispers surrounded by drone/atmospheric tones that make you feel lost in outer space as the noise layers gain surreal intensity.

“Absolutego” features a minimalist slightly more traditional rhythmic backbone further enhanced and embellished by an empowering doom oriented guitar riffing while vocals acquire moody emotional quality marching through the obscure heavy grooves.

“Biotope” offers linear gloomy melodies in the midst of a quite chaotic atmospheric maze and heavily distorted often dissonant guitars in contrast with the vocals’ soothing clarity.

“The Power” easily stands out channeling exquisite retro doom influences with the right dosage of slow and intensely heavy distorted guitars and consequently creating an asphyxiating sense of absolute desolation and an instrumental crescendo of palpable ominous vibes.

“Dystopia – Vanishing Point” crafts untraditional soundscapes that deliver serene sensations with ethereal vocals and minimalist instrumentation yet an ex-novo creative force introduces a change of pace with a series of raw poignant melodies leading to a trippy lengthy guitar solo.

The title track resides in the darkest limbo where dismal noise effects and wild instrumental experimentation work together to create renewed energy and enigmatic sonic textures while vocals become almost desperate with additional dreary emotions.

“Dear” definitely cannot be categorized as music for the masses as it can be quite mysterious or exceptionally avant-garde and Boris will always be capable of triggering sincere reactions in the audience.