Post rock/psych/instrumental rock band God Is An Astronaut founded by brothers Torsten and Niels Kinsella, release their eleventh studio album `Embers` this month.
I stated recently that I have started to derive pleasure from instrumental releases, maybe is down to a maturity in age, who knows but for me they allow the listener or participant a chance to interpret these soundscapes in a way that they can comprehend in a much more personal or individual means. It may well be a million miles from the artists concept, image, and/or vision but at least it promotes thought and imagination. So, I have to admit there was some nervous anticipation as I surrounded myself in GIAA`s latest offering.
We are introduced to this latest composition with `Apparition` where the title conjures up visions of spectres or spirits. It does have a kind of mystical come sacred feel as this delicate and graceful piece takes us on a supernatural journey. There are a few passages on route where the guitar and bass are more forceful before we return to a less turbulent path. I read that `Falling Leaves` “is a reflective voyage through the brevity of our existence, spanning from inception to demise.” It does portray an almost autumnal texture and as stated summons a scenario of birth with shimmering riffs and a steady percussive beat to more robust elements before fading away.
There`s a real tenderness to the way `Odyssey` begins. The title suggests a voyage or quest and it does mirror that as the number evolves as if on an expedition with that initial apprehensive sense before settling in as the journey is undertaken. The title of `Heart of Roots`, i`m sure can be interpreted in a number of ways but for me it indicated a person’s roots are their values and beliefs and this track seems to have a real depth. There were some quite haunting passages that appeared to have string like arrangements and absorbed piano keys.
Title track `Embers` initially did feel as if it was the ashes of something that had previously burnt brightly but picked up pace and volume after a couple of minutes. There were gleaming riffs and a powerful drum beat that guided us along which became quite mesmerising at times. Towards the end a pulsing percussive beat drew us into a final passage where things became much more complex musically. There was an elegant but eerie opening to `Realms` which continued throughout its lifespan and gave an almost sense of expectancy.
`Oscillation` draws you into its depths as it gradually develops and grows. It almost ripples to life before containing and restraining itself. There`s a real intensity to `Prism` which did seem to have a reflective shimmer about it and for me was fairly alluring.
This release closes out with `Hourglass` which is symbolic to time’s inevitable passing. It can be the symbol of death, the end of time on Earth, but also a symbol of rebirth and new beginnings when turned over. This track does mirror that introspective perspective.
The Kinsella brothers’ vision was brought to life with the aid of drummer Lloyd Hanney`s driving rhythms and guest musicians, including Dara O’Brien, Jo Quail, Jimmy Scanlon, and Sean Coleman.
`Embers` has what I’d call a delicate beauty about it. At times throughout it felt fairly mesmerising as I was drawn into it`s many layers and depths which has a yin and yang texture, a balance of light and dark. I`m sure you`ll interpret it in your own way and hopefully derive as much please from it as I did.
Rating 8.5/10
