Somali Yacht Club – The Space
Somali Yacht Club – The Space
Season of Mist
Release Date: 22/04/22
Running Time: 45:19
Review by Paul Hutchings
8/10
It’s a difficult time for Somali Yacht Club. The Ukrainians third release and first on Season of Mist should have been a career highlight, with a tour to promote “The Space” as well as worldwide exposure via streaming services and review sites. Unfortunately, and completely understandably, music is probably very far from the centre of their world now and whilst I don’t want to get drawn into any political debate here, we can but wish the band well and hope they remain safe in their home city of Lviv.
I’m not over familiar with the band’s previous works but this is an expansive and impressive album, if you enjoy the type of Progressive music which involves wide soundscapes drenched in emotion and atmosphere. They blur the boundaries between Metal and Post-Rock, dreamy vocals and jangling guitars that combine to provide music that is both intense and clever, enjoyable to immerse oneself in but equally attractive to have in the background.
There’s a rich warmth to the vocals of Ihor Pryshliak, who is also responsible for the subtle keys and the thick fuzzy riffs that cascade throughout this release. Although the band haven’t consciously created a three-part concept, The Space does conclude a trilogy that started with their first release, “The Sun”, and follow up “The Sea”. Opener ‘Silver’ sets the scene, the first of six musically heavy tracks that expand and contract through their individual journeys. As the album progresses, the musicianship increases with the formidable stoner jams that play out. ‘Pulsar’ is full of sweeping passages that ebb and flow, creating magical imagery and aural delights.
Whilst Pryshliak’s vocals and guitar are the undoubted focus, the rhythm section of bassist Artur Savluk and drummer Lesyk Mahula hold down the engine room with a natural ease. Their combined interplay on the likes of ‘Echo of Direction’ is a joy to listen to. That Somali Yacht Club can deliver a short three-minute piece in the shape of ‘Gold’ and can then finish with the massive Progressive workout of ‘Momentum’ which clocks in at over 12 minutes in length is quite remarkable.
‘Momentum’ is without doubt the band’s finest hour on this impressive album. Opening with a slow, Doom march, it segues into more gentle and comforting music, shimmering guitar echoing alongside the clean vocals and as the song develops, it achieves its status as the epic masterpiece that closes off this album in some style.
Although these are dark days for the band, there is a ray of light in the shape of this release. It’s certainly one to play repeatedly.
‘Pulsar’ Official Video
TRACKLISTING:
01. Silver
02. Pulsar
03. Obscurum
04. Echo of Direction
05. Gold
06. Momentum
LINE-UP:
Ihor Pryshliak – Guitar, Vocals, Keys
Artur Savluk – Bass
Lesyk Mahula – Drums
LINKS:
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