Listening to this album from Texan post-rock experimentalists Driving Slow Motion is the equivalent of what being launched into space and orbiting various planets presumably must feel like, with the band’s drummer Dustin Weaver stating that “Arda was written around the concept of a journey, which we inadvertently found to be a direct correlation of our own lives.” Driving Slow Motion’s first full length album following the release of their self-titled album back in early 2018, Arda showcases the band’s talent of perfectly blending atmospheric guitar leads with heavy, distorted wonder.
Recorded and produced by the band themselves and mixed by Mike Watts (The Dillinger Escape Plan, Glassjaw, Hopesfall) it is clear from the album’s opening track, ‘Far From Home’ just how much musicality and talent this band possess, combining soaring leads and ambient drums to transport the listener to a far off realm and leave them stranded in a desolate, yet welcoming soundscape from which they may not want to return. Each track on this album beautifully morphs into the next creating a seamless flow that allows the listener to sit back and be unconcerned with any sudden changes in mood. Arda also gives a great sense of power and beauty through the use of feedback which seems to last the entirety of Arda and paves the way for some phenomenal dynamic changes throughout each track, something which no doubt comes across perfectly at the band’s live performances.
Driving Slow Motion have clearly absorbed multiple influences within their music launching them into a space occupied by one of the UK’s greatest post-rock bands Bossk all the while still maintaining their own unique voice and characteristics. Arda has quickly become one of this writers favourite post-rock albums and one which deserves repeated listens to appreciate. This is a very significant album with a unique story to tell and worthy of undivided attention.
Arda is released on 7th June and can be purchased here.
Words: Oli Hulett
