“Post-Rock” is a term often used to describe a heavily or completely instrumental Rock sonic that may or may not employ effects and instruments not typically associated with Rock & Roll. Of course, as with any other label given to a sound, whether general or quite specific, that term has met with various forms of resistance by fans and practitioners alike. Given all of that, I’ll choose to simply view the latest release from The Appleseed Cast, Sagarmatha (The Militia Group) as a straight-forward Rock record, as it blends elements of both “Post” and “Not-So-Post” Rock.
12 years and 6 albums into the Appleseed Cast’s journey as a band, Sagarmatha features a collection of tracks that do indeed mainly focus on the playing of Christopher Crisci, Aaron Pillar, Nate Whitman and John Momberg, with lyrics and vocals taking a back-seat. For the most part, the musicality is dramatic enough for the instrumentation to stand on its own. The opening track, “As the Little Things Go”, becomes downright anthemic as it instrumentally kicks into overdrive at the 5 minute mark, making the build-up to that point well worth the wait. In “A Bright Light”, the vocals are produced to provide an atmospheric effect, giving the chorus the soaring feel of a Deftones track. Experimental while retaining accessibility, the albums strengths are evident when really lettin’ loose and post-rocking out.
Given the fact (o.k., maybe it’s just my opinion and not fact) that the album excels in such powerful compositions, my one true complaint with this album is with “One Reminder, An Empty Room”. Running at only 1:49, the cut features a simple, breezy, acoustic vibe that never develops into anything more substantial and abruptly ends as you are left wondering what just happened. If it weren’t for the repeated occasions that the listener is rewarded with captivating shifts in tempo or for the instances where the vocals join in and give the song a dynamic, new life, the shorter and acoustic instrumental may not have been so head-scratching.
Stream The Appleseed Cast’s Sagarmatha in its entirety by going here!
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