Sun Release
Self-Released, 2019
9/10
An instrumental quintet from the deep parts of Pennsylvania, Heron bring an expansive and cinematic approach to this impressive sophomore album that pushes and pulls with unique tension.
The aptly titled “Light” starts the listen with restrained, atmospheric instrumentation that builds into a soaring, anthemic rocker, and “The Void” follows with 7 minutes of emotive exploration that often seems like it’s going to fall into the abyss, but maintains a very clear vision of post-rock dynamics.
Even though there’s just 8 tunes here, every track is a gem, especially the more forceful, almost intimidating presence of the spacey “Shadow Phase”, while the cascading beauty of the majestic “The Glow” builds into a catharsis.
Near the end, the hazy “Splashdown” leaves an indelible mark with a hypnotic delivery and “Sun Release” ends the listen on a sparse offering that brings mystery, even more beauty and, eventually, a thundering display of monumental power as it erupts into an ebullient exit.
A journey that’s dark and bright, calm yet tumultuous, and never short on creative ideas, Sun Release is a record that even non-fans of instrumental music will be drawn to, and, of course, is an absolute must for the vocal-less crowd.
Travels well with: Explosions In The Sky- The Wilderness; Tycho- Epoch