The realm of post rock can be a tough genre to navigate at times. Its origins weave in and out of various others genres, most notably progressive rock, post metal, and krautrock. Although its origins are in a swirling pool of sonic textures, the 1990s saw it become a defining genre that has stuck from Slint all the way up to This Will Destroy You, Anathema, and the instrumental landscapes of Godspeed You! Black Emperor. Although the atmospheric lapping waves of sound laced with deep emotions has become a quintessential element of post rock, bands have found a way to maintain the minimalistic style while conveying their own voices.
Lavinia dip into the churning waters of their predecessor’ output to present an intoxicating and authentic experience with their recent full length offering, Sallowed. The guitar work of Nathan Shumaker and Jon Mcmahon’s blistering emotional flashbacks crash into focus and flood the mind between prickling and pointillistic moments. The brooding bass lines of Brendan Ford and sagacious drum work by Mike DeTullio carry the sombre vocals Shumaker pours fourth perfectly. Sallowed is a monumental opus to the human condition, yet there is something else truly moving about the album. ‘Fall Risk’ in particular wraps the listener in a blanket of searing melancholy that does not suffocate. Even through cutting synth lines (courtesy of Philip Jamieson from Caspian) within the song’s fibres there is a warmth, a glimmer of hope. Sallowed exposes the silver lining in an impressive and defining moment for the post rock genre, a human emotion towards the tumult of life that is rare and fleeting — empathy.
Sallowed is out now via and can be purchased here.
Words: Garrett Tanner
