SlowrunThe cover image is of a wet city night. The scene of isolation could be the one we hear in this sextet of post rock pieces from this Finnish band. Actually, I didn’t think that “Prologue” was as gloomy as that. In fact one of the endearing features of this album was its pleasing light and airy tones. Hypnotic and even warming post metal tones progress richly and slickly. Then a darker shade creeps in. There is silence save a faint sound. The constant ring of “Approaching” returns now a melancholy chord is struck here and there. Moods change but it’s not instantly noticeable. A sad atmosphere emerges and it is sharp but there is always calmness. “On A Fading Road” is even quieter. The advance is pleasant to listen to but it is sombre. The ringing guitar sound we hear on this album is strangely uplifting and mindful of Isis. Accordingly this is about reflection, solitude and melancholy. There is no apocalypse. There is a natural air. A sad sound runs through the background like a horn. The delicate guitar work develops and is played methodically and quietly. A little burst brings “On a Fading Road” to an end.

Tranquillity is always there but there seems to be a purpose. “Ripples and Time” is not just a track title. It reflects where we are. The continuation is like a guitar-led heartbeat. The drum clashes softly. The pace picks up as if a gentle breeze has appeared. It’s like climbing a gentle incline. Violence and urgency will never be part of this calm and passive scene. “Glow in Isolation” follows. These track titles are spot on. There is something glowing in the gloom. Sadness sweeps through the background. The guitar plays quietly and deliberately. This leads into “Escapism”. I hesitate to refer to majesty as blood is never going to rush here, but it is powerful. That constant ring is there from the guitar. There is a regular pattern about each track as the mood changes mid-stream and varies the ambiance each time. Here on “Escapism”, after plodding on for a while, the track ends without reference. Cymbals crash. “Void” once again is plodding. The build-up is steady and that light and airy tone can be felt. At one point “Void” almost comes to a standstill. The drum beat signals intent. The guitar strikes an occasional chord. Normality then resumes. By the standards of this generally languid album, progress is now rapid. Yet there is a sense pf constancy which remains. It resembles a heartbeat and seems timeless. Then it fades away …

The overall pattern is the same. Moods change but in a subtle way. Wherever you are and whenever you listen to “Prologue”, you can’t fail to be struck by its tranquillity, gentle breezes and melancholic air. It’s a nice album.

(7/10 Andrew Doherty)

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