There’s been a slew of quality post-metal acts emerging in recent years around the globe, and the UK has certainly been getting in on the act. There’s Wren and Hundred Year Old Man, both of whom we enjoyed so much so that we’ve subsequently released their music through Astral Noize Records, Hidden Mothers and Agvirre emerged as breakout acts this year and Sheffield’s Archelon also continue to impress. Next year, though, we’re betting on Mairu stealing the show.
Back in June, we ran an introducing feature on Mairu as a brand new group that had us excited, and now that the band have announced their signing to one of our favourite labels, Trepanation Recordings, we’re thrilled about what’s next. The band are due to release their (currently untitled) debut album in 2020, but in the meantime, you can hear their brand new track ‘Wild Darkened Eyes’ exclusively at Astral Noize below.
Back then, the band were showing their talent by navigating a guitar-less existence with aplomb. On this new single, the band utilise fleeting vocals, adding more texture to an already complex sound. Also noticeable this time around is a slight shift away from more generic post-metal, as they merge their established sound with doom and sludge in a style that resembles post-sludge acts like Neurosis and Sonance. It’s a slab of absolute brilliance, with some clobbering grooves and a skilfully understated sense of scope. Enjoy!
Keep up to date on Mairu via their Facebook, and keep an eye on the Trepanation Bandcamp for more.
Words: George Parr
