North East
post-hardcore outfit Cauls release their second EP with a bang, their
progressive sound a distinctive and memorable beast, the sounds they create
weaved from an unruly combination of melody and aggression. The five songs
found on 'EP2' are intense, unpredictable and delivered with a exciting
efficiency that makes this record a superb listen.
An eerie pulsating beat begins with 'Whistler', the opening track having echoes of the soundtrack to John Carpenter's classic 80s horror flick, 'The Thing'. The beat increases with various percussion, building slowly with haunting instrumentals and wailing vocals that sound like a combination of Trent Reznor and Thom Yorke. The slow, steady approach threatens to explode on occasion, and when it finally does, the full force of the instrumentals create a wall of feedback and pounding drums. 'No Motion' begins in much more straightforward fashion, with rolling bass and a solid beat allowing the distinctive vocal style to thrive. Progressive song structures stand out and the post-hardcore rhythms feel organic and refreshing. Influences appear to come from avenues as different as The Mars Volta and early Biffy Clyro, but all of the ideas in the melting pot really work well.
An eerie pulsating beat begins with 'Whistler', the opening track having echoes of the soundtrack to John Carpenter's classic 80s horror flick, 'The Thing'. The beat increases with various percussion, building slowly with haunting instrumentals and wailing vocals that sound like a combination of Trent Reznor and Thom Yorke. The slow, steady approach threatens to explode on occasion, and when it finally does, the full force of the instrumentals create a wall of feedback and pounding drums. 'No Motion' begins in much more straightforward fashion, with rolling bass and a solid beat allowing the distinctive vocal style to thrive. Progressive song structures stand out and the post-hardcore rhythms feel organic and refreshing. Influences appear to come from avenues as different as The Mars Volta and early Biffy Clyro, but all of the ideas in the melting pot really work well.
'Iris
Brickfield' begins with distant guitar notes building into a understated verse
with whispered vocals and stop-start bass, the clean guitars soon taking over
and vocals soon joining them. The lyrics soar as the song erupts, the subtlety
soon forgotten in a tornado of passion and menace. 'The Durande' is an
atmospheric musical interlude that calms proceedings before the 8 minute
behemoth of EP closer 'Ahsonnutli', which is a huge experimental canvas of
noise, the ideas constantly threatening to overflow but not in a way that makes
the track any less enjoyable. Furious guitars combine with crashing cymbals and
snares, the song swaying and switching constantly, the band pulling off some
tricks that throw a spanner into the works of standard song structure, and that
makes the finale of 'EP2' a wonderful listen.
'EP2' from Cauls is a gratifying experience and definitely worth a great deal of attention.
'EP2' from Cauls is a gratifying experience and definitely worth a great deal of attention.
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