Nine Skies

5.20

FTF, 2022

8/10

Listen to 5.20

An esteemed French rock band who are no strangers to rock, pop, progressive and jazz sounds, Nine Skies return with a special edition of their 2021 album, 5.20, where 5 bonus tracks, a DVD and a 12 page booklet make for a very thorough package.

“Colourblind” starts the listen with spirited guitar, as a dreamy climate unfolds with poetic singing, and “Wilderness” follows with contributions from Steve Hackett that help the tune unfold with swirling melodies amid the soulful backing vocals.

Elsewhere, “Above The Tide” emits graceful piano and sophisticated strings with strong attention to mood, while “The Old Man In The Snow” recruits John Hackett for the acoustic guitar fueled and expressive album highlight.

Close to the end, “Porcelain Hill” brings in Damian Wilson for an intimate display of piano balladry that’s quite cinematic, and “Smiling Stars” exits the listen with mesmerizing keys and stirring singing to finish the listen with much beauty.

The bonus tracks illustrate different avenues of the band’s talent, with orchestral versions from their catalog, and the documentary DVD and livestream selections give us further insight into the outfit’s vision.

A very unique listen that balances calm moments as well as busier textures of charming prog-rock, I have a feeling that Nine Skies are revered in their home country, and this expanded edition should certainly garner them many new fans around the globe.

Travels well with: Solace Supplice- Liturgies Contemporaines; XCIII- Void

Acoustic Syndicate

All In Time

Organic, 2022

8/10

Listen to All In Time

An institution in the area of southern roots, bluegrass and rock and roll, this first album on the Organic label has Acoustic Syndicate, i.e. Steve McMurry (acoustic guitar, vocals), Bryon McMurry (acoustic banjo, electric guitar, vocals), Fitz McMurry (drums, vocals) and Jay Sanders (bass, vocals) delivering their signature jamgrass sounds with plenty of fluid and rich textures.

The title track opens the listen with much atmosphere, as the soft singing guides the cautious instrumentation that’s quite emotive, and “Bright Lights” follows with plenty of rock and roll spirit amid the thumping drums and rugged yet tuneful climate.

Halfway through, “Man Inside” uses firm acoustic guitar and well timed banjo for a soaring album highlight, while “Simple Dream” emits a breezy quality that showcases the complex bass lines and swirling guitars.

Nearing the end, the intimate and warm “Sunny” is full of graceful, rich song craft, and Lou Reed’s “Rock And Roll” exits the listen with an upbeat flavor that’s jam band friendly and with plenty of bluegrass nods, too.

No matter where you start in Acoustic Syndicate’s glowing catalog of music, you won’t be disappointed, and the covers and originals here are very much a testament to their time honored formula that will always be relevant.

Travels well with: Aaron Burdett- Dream Rich, Dirt Poor; Jeremy Garrett- Circles

Alicia Blue

Inner Child

Magnetic Moon, 2022

8/10

Listen to Inner Child

A Nashville artist who touches on indie-folk in both powerful and cathartic ways, Alicia Blue finds herself sorting through some emotional moments in trying to discover who she was and who she wants to become on this very forthright EP.

Blue starts the listen with the dreamy “DTMTS (Don’t Tell Me How To Smile)”, where her upfront lyrics are met with soft guitar, well timed drums and subtle grit, and “Saline Waters” follows with a darker version of indie-rock that’s textured with a bit of mystery amid the swirling melody.

On the back half of the listen, Blue takes nods to her folk-rock roots with the poetic and lush “Fine”, while “Dirty Hippie” enters alt-rock territory alongside a firm beat and some minor jangle that you can’t not be enamored by.

You might be reminded of legends like Tori Amos or Kate Bush when listening to these intimate anthems, as Blue blends pop, rock and folk in her very impressive singer-songwriter formula that the world needs to hear more of.

Travels well with: A Fragile Tomorrow- It’s Better That Way; Elise Davis- Anxious Happy Chill

Orli Shaham

Complete Piano Sonatas Vol. 2 & 3

Canary Classics, 2022

8/10

Listen to Complete Piano Sonatas Vol. 2 & 3

The esteemed concert pianist Orli Shaham continues with her interpretations of Mozart’s piano sonatas, and here, across 2 discs, she tackles some of Mozart’s most popular work with incredible dexterity and moments of strategic improvisation.

Disc 1, Volume 2, displays Shaham’s unparalleled keys dancing in very exciting, melodic progressions, where there’s a charming balance of intimacy and exploration. The 3 chapters are especially expressive, with the finger acrobatics of “Piano Sonata in F Major, No. 12, K.332” being particularly stunning.

Disc 2, Volume 3, is equally meticulous, where Shaham’s strong attention to mood is quite luminous on “Piano Sonata A major”, as the keys radiate tremendous warmth amid the timeless delivery.

A highly technical affair, there’s an alluring emotional component to this body of work, and Shaham takes Mozart’s lead to allow for spontaneous, imaginative moments, which truly makes these pieces shine in a new light.

Travels well with: Orli Shaham- Mozart Complete Piano Sonatas; Josh Tatsuo Cullen- Scenes In Tin Can Alley

TOC

Did It Again

Circum Disc/Tour de Bras, 2022

9/10

Listen to Did It Again

In celebration of their 15 years of existence, Jérémie Ternoy (Fender rhodes, piano, bass), Ivann Cruz (electric guitar) and Peter Orins (drums), i.e. TOC, have assembled 4 performances on 4 discs that illustrate their raw, polyrhythmic, and experimental formula.

“Dragon” opens the listen with the sounds of water amid the mysterious climate that manipulates sound with bouts of firm drumming, twinkling keys, buzzing guitars and plenty of buzzing, sci-fi noises.

“Lumen” then leads with a droning minimalism, before building into hypnotic landscapes of thumping drums, dense guitar and well timed keys, while “Base” finds a very cinematic place to reside with its strong attention to mood and angular post-rock bursts of dynamic energy.

The final disc, “Le gorille”, is the only one not recorded in 2021, and showcases the trio in 2008 across 3 movements that span sparse and soothing, to ambient noises and even thick moments of tense rock.

Certainly artistic, highly improvised, and redefining what noise versus tunefulness can sound like, though I don’t generally find live recordings to be an ideal introduction, the creativity and execution from the trio made me a fan immediately.

Travels well with: Peter Orins- VRTN & VBTRN; Adoct- Ouvre-Glace

Abdou Boni

Sources

Circum Disc, 2022

8/10

Listen to Sources

The duet of Raymond Boni (guitar, harmonica) and Sakina Abdou (saxophone, recorder), this nearly acoustic, instrumental listen is full of careful introspection and avant-garde jazz ideas that are quite captivating.

“Miroir d’eau” opens the listen, and it meshes the soulful sax and soft guitar with much grace and unpredictability in its pretty, bare nature, and “Résurgences” follows with very swift, dynamic brass alongside sci-fi like noises and warm acoustic guitar in the very adventurous appeal.

Landing in the middle, “Souvenir non identifié” finds itself in curious, minimal areas of soft plucking, while “Guérison inattendue” quivers with the precisely manipulated sax and atmospheric guitar helping make this the album’s best.

Close the end, the ambient droning of the recorder and unorthodox noises from the guitar are quite atypical, and “La source, le fleuve et l’océan” finishes with the meticulous sax and very sparse guitar in the slow burning, stirring exit.

A very charming and iconoclastic take on contemporary jazz sensibilities, the pair pull off an improvised effort that’s difficult not to be in awe of.

Travels well with: Le Trio Voyageur- Fu-Rin-Ka-Zan; Stefan Orins Trio- October 11

Le Trio Voyageur

Fu-Rin-Ka-Zan

Circum-Disc, 2022

8/10

Listen to Fu-Rin-Ka-Zan

A very expressive trio consisting of Ludovic Montet (vibraphone, percussion, voice), Stefan Orins (piano, voice) and Charles Duytschaever (drums, voice), as Le Trio Voyageur the players balance written and improvised moments that welcome much diversity.

“Tokyo Respire” opens the listen with the graceful keys and agile percussion making for a very exciting version of jazz friendly tendencies that even flirts with post-rock, and “Yamanote Line” follows with a more swift approach that showcases the vibraphone acrobatics with much allure in the dreamy climate.

“Furinkazan” arrives in the middle, and focuses much on atmosphere and space in its meticulous delivery, while “Natan et Léonard” flows with a calming demeanor of radiant vibes and subtle but effective drumming.

Near to the end, “La danse du sabre” moves with a more firm quality that’s not lacking any rhythm in its unique energy, and “UnenNuée d’oiseaux blancs” exits with much melody and charm, as the trio interact with a meticulous, absorbing dynamic.

Furinkazan signifies ‘wind, forest and mountain’, and it unfolds like a musical travel diary to Japan. All 3 members are very active from their region, and their collective strength makes for an artistic, stylish and modern experience that’s classical, rock, and traditional.

Travels well with: Stefan Orin Trio- October 11; Otto- Danses

Love Crushed Velvet

Souls And The Barren Heart

Noble Steed, 2022

9/10

Listen to Souls And The Barren Heart

A very diverse 8 tracks, Love Crushed Velvet pen an album that thematically surrounds a post-pandemic Manhattan and its chaotic urban life, and uses glam rock, classic rock moments and alt-rock stabs in its sonically exciting formula.

The album opens up with the pop influenced version of “The Future”, where the alt-rock swirls with gritty melody, and “Free” follows with a calmer pace of mesmerizing post-punk nods that examines just what freedom is.

“The Light Inside” arrives in the middle, and is a more breezy delivery of soulful backing vocals and fluid, driving guitars, while “Other Places” offers a darker quality that’s textured with busy but meticulous moments of bristling rock.

Close to the end, the album’s best, “Workin’ (Don’t Blame The People)”, uses piano strategically amid the firm moments that also balances calm bouts, and “Under A Rainbow” exits with a poetic, pretty and ebullient execution that’s quite memorable.

The band consists of Alex Carapetis (drums), Robert Richie (guitars), David Maurice (drums, Moog bass, guitar, keys, backing vocals) and Lydia Berg-Hammond (backing vocals), and their collective strength makes for an exciting and memorable listen that fans of rock, past and present, will enjoy tremendously.

Travels well with: Cosse- Nothing Belongs To Anything; Baby Fire- Grace

Sang-Hie Lee

Textures In Classics

Navona, 2022

8/10

Listen to Textures In Classics

The exceptional pianist and music scholar Sang-Hie Lee turns in an impressive body of work here, where her performances of Mozart, Beethoven, and Brahms, among others, resonates with very rich and timeless gestures.

Beethoven’s “Piano Sonata No. 30 in E Major, Op. 109” opens the listen with heartfelt and meticulous playing that’s capable of both calm and firm moments, and Claude DeBussy’s “Preludes” follows with very intimate song craft that’s full of mature, sublime beauty.

Further along, “Sonata For Oboe And Piano” recruits John Corina’s oboe for the very upbeat and charming interaction of flowing melodies in the Herman Schroeder composition, while Franz Liszt’s “2 Konzertetuden, S. 145” showcases fascinating finger acrobatics, where the keys are manipulated with so much skill.

“25 Variations & Fugue On A Theme By Handel In B-Flat Major, Op. 24” exits the listen, and presents 25 movements that glide by with seemingly effortless musicianship as Lee’s careful yet exploratory playing does justice to the Johannes Brahams original.

Texture, tone and harmony are all key components of Lee’s formula, and these classical and chamber interpretations certainly make an indelible impression.

Travels well with: Gibbs Street Duo- Memories Unsettled; Lee Bradshaw- The Ties That Bind

Abiola

Abiola Time

Aladé, 2022

8/10

Listen to Abiola Time

A very cultured and multi-dimensional artist, Abiola has experience in Latin sounds as well as jazz, and the songs here reflect a global influence that showcases tremendous melodies and strong attention to rhythm.

“Kilofe” opens the listen with animated percussion and plenty of flowing rhythm amid Abiola’s alluring pipes, and “Give Me” follows with R&B and dance floor nods that emit a very lively energy.

“What We’ll Be” arrives in the middle, and flows with a romantic quality that’s got plenty of bop and pop moments, while “Ko Le To” recruits a charming Afrobeat sound that’s not short on grooves and funk song craft.

Near the end, “Para Ti, Para Mi” lands in Caribbean territory, and offers a breezy, maracas flavored album highlight, and “Feel This Good” exits the listen with an aptly titled display of exciting, bluesy jam sensibilities and world music fun.

An extremely colorful, rich and precisely textured affair, Abiola delivers an impressive debut album, and it’s one that will resonate across the globe.

Travels well with: Angela O’Neill And The Outrageous 8- Light At The End Of The Tunnel; The Grace Fox Big Band- Eleven O’Seven

Aquakultre

Don’t Trip

Forward/Black Buffalo, 2022

8/10

Listen to Don’t Trip

The recording moniker of the Halifax, Nova Scotia artist Lance Sampson, as Aquakultre he brings in some excellent guest musicians for his very much praised hip-hop meets neo-soul sounds.

“I Can Wait” opens the listen, and recruits Chudi Harris, Zamani Folade and Nixx for the swirling melodies, soulful singing and warm beats, and “Milk & Honey” follows with Tafari Anthony, Markus Aurelyus and Amarafleur helping make for an R&B influenced version of hip-hop that’s vocally powerful and adventurous.

In the middle, the breezy demeanor and harmonic setting of “Don’t Trip” makes this one of the album’s best, while “Lunch” features Joolsannie for a thumping, groove friendly display of expressive vocals amid electro-pop sensibilities.

Nearing the end, “Africvillean Funk” showcases Trobiz for the busy, animated and dance floor ready rhythms, and “Karamel” exits with DJ Chidow and Vadell Gabriel on hand for the buzzing climate of exploratory, creative musicianship.

A very diverse listen that often thematically surrounds the beginning of a romantic relationship, Aquakultre’s inimitable formula could suit a house party, just as it could an evening in the bedroom, and the heaps of grooves, beats, funk nods and even horns ensure repeated listens.

Travels well with: VvvV- The Wreck; Kid Koala- Music To Draw To: Io

Streetwise

The Other Side

DayQuest, 2022

8/10

Listen to The Other Side

The Brooklyn-born guitarist, singer and songwriter Raymond Castronovo returns with 4 tunes of his timeless New York flavored rock’n’roll formula that welcomes Joe Martinez, Linda Mackley, Carl Obrig, and Heather Simon.

“440” opens the listen with thick guitar and spoken word, before Castronovo’s smooth pipes are complemented by Simon’s soulful voice and Mackley’s proficient drumming, and “Hold On” continues with much elegance entering alongside Castronovo’s spirited guitar and Martinez’s very precise bass playing.

The back half of the listen showcases the dynamic rhythm section of the harmonic “Marinara Maddie”, where both spoken word and soaring vocals are present amid the fuzzy guitar, and Obrig’s very warm sax populates the retro-spirit of “Shadows In The Sky”, that’s quite romantic.

An excellent way to test the waters of Streetwise, though Castronovo and company are still very much a new outfit, he’s held an unwavering interest in music his entire life, and he’s finally at a place to let his creativity pour out.

Travels well with: Streetwise- Crossing Bridges; D.K. Lyons- Vandalism

Janáček Philharmonic Orchestra/Zagreb Festival Orchestra

Inviting Worlds: New Works For Large Ensemble Vol 1

Navona, 2022

8/10

Listen to Inviting Worlds: New Works For Large Ensemble Vol 1

The Janáček Philharmonic Orchestra, Zagreb Festival Orchestra, and National Moravian-Silesian Theater Choir come together here to flesh out a very diverse and dynamic listen that covers the work of several composers in an orchestral, large ensemble setting.

John Wineglass’ “Bonny Doon: From The Misty Redwoods Down To The Mighty Pacific Ocean” opens the listen with much mystery and atmosphere from the Zagreb Festival Orchestra in the very precise, sometimes haunting delivery, and Michael Wittgraf’s very tense and dramatic “A Marriage Of Seasons” follows with incredible fluidity and adventurousness courtesy of the Janáček Philharmonic Ostrava.

Elsewhere, “Dark Days” brings together the Janáček Philharmonic Ostrava and the Moravian-Silesian Theatre Choir together for a very expressive, slightly haunting display of intricate orchestration, while “Fantasia: Nocturne” recruits Jakub Černohorský’s violin and Roman Buchal’s flügelhorn for the very busy and soaring mix of strings and brass in the Brian Belet composition.

Deeper still, Liova Bueno’s “Two Moods: Dusk & Carnaval” showcases much dreamy melody in the 2 movements, and William Copper’s “This Full Bowl Of Roses, Part I” exits with plenty of harmonic gestures that weave in and out of gorgeous instrumentation thanks to the Janáček Philharmonic Ostrava.

A fascinating listen that explores the dimensions of several talented composers, the ensembles here make for a thoughtful, imaginative and profoundly agile affair.

Travels well with: Janáček Philharmonic Ostrava- Inviting Worlds: New Works For Large Ensemble Vol 2; Mary Howe- Between Us

Janáček Philharmonic Ostrava

Inviting Worlds: New Works For Large Ensemble Vol 2

Navona, 2022

8/10

Listen to Inviting Worlds: New Works For Large Ensemble Vol 2

The 2nd installment from the Inviting Worlds series, the Janáček Philharmonic Ostrava give life to a new roster of composers that pays close attention to rhythm and texture.

Lawrence Mumford’s “Hope And A Future” opens the listen with light and soothing winds and strings interacting with much warmth, and “Chasse Noir”, by Dinah Bianchi, follows with an exciting and adventurous chemistry between the ensemble that booms with a graceful intensity.

In the middle, Bruce Reiprich’s “When Quiet Comes” recruits Lucie Kaucka on piano for the intimate, sometimes chilling album highlight, while “Gold Lights In Blue” radiates sublime and melodic song craft to illuminate William Copper’s vision.

The final track, Richard E Brown’s “Paisano Suite”, unfolds across 8 movements that span bare, stirring moments of cinematic prowess as well as dreamy bouts of uplifting musicianship.

A very colorful display of orchestral ideas, the Janáček Philharmonic Ostrava never disappoint, and this body of work continues that trend with impressive, calculated and flowing music that we could never tire of.

Travels well with: Fischer Duo- 2020 Visions; Mary Howe- Between Us

Craig Davis

Tone Paintings

MCG, 2022

8/10

Listen to Tone Paintings

The exceptional pianist Craig Davis pays tribute to his fellow Pittsburgh native Michael ‘Dodo’ Marmarosa across these 11 tracks, where he brings along John Clayton on bass and Jeff Hamilton behind the drum kit.

The aptly titled “Mellow Mood” starts the listen with dancing keys, as the charming bass and well timed drums make for a very charming opener, and “Dodo’s Bounce” follows with a frisky pace of energetic, dance floor ready jazz.

Elsewhere, “A Ditty For Dodo” showcases the very memorable bass playing amid the elegant keys, while “Compadoo” bounces and shakes with an infectious melody thanks to the precise interaction between the trio.

The title track arrives late in the listen, and it’s the album highlight that pays close attention to mood in its solo piano delivery that’s heavy on atmosphere, and “Dodo’s Lament” exits the record with a pensive demeanor that benefits much from Hamilton’s brushed drums that complement the intimate formula.

Marmarosa passed away 20 years ago, and lived a very modest life, to the point where his influence on Steel City jazz was becoming understated. Davis and company certainly raise his profile with this tribute listen, and it comes with plenty of bebop nods and soulful moments in the timeless jazz formula.

Travels well with: Amos Gillespie- Unstructured Time; Gerry Eastmen Trio- Trust Me

Shawn Crouch

Chaos Theory

Acis, 2022

9/10

Listen to Chaos Theory

The educator and composer Shawn Crouch brings us a chamber listen influenced by science, autobiography and reaction to toxic news, and it’s full of world premiere recordings that are entirely devoted to his works and display several players and ensembles.

“Burnout” opens the listen with the Switch-Ensemble on hand to provide quivering strings in the mysterious, mesmerizing display of unconventional chamber song craft, and “95 South” follows with the BLT trio bringing their winds to the very dreamy, cinematic qualities that’s also quite warm thanks to the flute, clarinet and bassoon.

“Suspended Contact” lands in the middle, and recruits the Yesaroun’ Duo for an alto sax and percussion album highlight that certainly doesn’t lack any energy, while “Orbital Variations” showcases Craig Hultgren’s stunning cello playing that manipulates mood and tone splendidly.

The title track finishes the listen, and spotlights the Ensemble Ibis and Crouch as director, where a bit of an ominous demeanor enters the dynamic, absorbing instrumentation that few could replicate.

Crouch is no stranger to winning awards, and this body of work should certainly garner him just as many accolades, where all the tracks are acutely distinct and resonate with much creativity.

Travels well with: Arlen Hlusko & Scott Ordway- Nineteen Movements For Unaccompanied Cello; The Sonic Arts Ensemble- Live From The Multiverse

Jim McNeely/Frankfurt Radio Big Band

Rituals

Double Moon, 2022

8/10

Listen to Rituals

The esteemed conductor and arranger Jim McNeely channels the spirit of Stravinsky for this very complicated and harmonic body of work that brings in the tenor saxophonist Chris Potter for the rhythmic endeavor.

The title track opens the listen with calming winds, where the setting quickly builds into a busy, hectic, and majestic mashing of adventurous jazz, where Potter’s solo is quite striking, and “Dawn” follows with a very soothing quality that emits a very meticulous orchestral slant amid the bright brass.

“The Wheel” occupies the middle spot, and flows with a contagious energy that’s quite animated and radiates much adventurousness that you could dance to, while “Wine Dark Sea” showcases very strategic percussion amid the elegant strings and soft horns that welcomes a solo from Axel Schlosser.

“Okinawa” is the final song, and it’s full of Potter’s graceful sax that complements the calm moments of intimacy as well as the loud, full blasts of dynamic jazz prowess.

A listen that began as a performance, McNeely and company entered the studio to recreate the magic, and the inclusion of harp, French horn, percussion and an addition movement in the title track make the project that much more alluring.

Travels well with: Roger Lewis- Alright!; Evan Drybread- Tiger Tail

Tania León

Teclas De Mi Piano

Albany, 2022

8/10

Listen to Teclas De Mi Piano

The Pulitzer Prize winner Tania León enlists the pianist Adam Kent for these 11 pieces that were composed across 50 years from student works, and showcase Kent’s inimitable skills with the keys.

“Homenatge” opens the listen with the dizzying keys emitting much skill and warmth as they advance in very fascinating ways, and “Tumbao” follows with an acutely striking melody that unfolds with incredible finger acrobatics.

Halfway through, “Rituál” rumbles with a bit of cautiousness, where the lower register is quite absorbing as the setting builds into a swift, dense execution, while “Mística” flows with an unpredictable, cinematic quality that’s firm and adventurous.

Close to the end, “going…gone”, the best track, radiates energetic, meticulous bouts amid calmer ebbs, and “Variación” exits with harmonic gestures that are full of breezy beauty.

A native to Cuba, León came to the U.S. in 1967, and ended up being a founding member of the Dance Theatre of Harlem. There’s been many awards and accolades along the way, and here Kent illuminates her eclectic vision with a flawless delivery.

Travels well with: Eric Schorr- New York Pretending To Be Paris; Nancy Hill Elton- Nancy Hill Elton Plays Chopin And Rachmaninoff

Rachel Sumner & Traveling Light

Rachel Sumner & Traveling Light

Self-Released, 2022

8/10

Listen to Rachel Sumner & Traveling Light

The debut album from Rachel Sumner (vocals), Kat Wallace (fiddle, harmonies), Ira Klein (acoustic guitar), Alex Formento (pedal steel) and Mike Sigel (upright bass), the originals and covers here emit a very thoughtful and warm version of indie-folk that is a quite absorbing.

“Hunting Doves” starts the listen with warm, gentle acoustic guitar, as Sumner’s stunning, expressive singing guides the bare beauty that welcomes stirring fiddle, too, and “Unrecorded Night” follows with cozy strumming that showcases the moody pedal steel.

“Halfway Through” arrives in the middle, and is a very poetic and lush delivery of intimate song craft, while “Colleen”, a Joanna Newsom original, displays Sumner’s very diverse range amid some darker textures.

Close to the end, the aching pedal steel of “Homegrown Sorrow” emits so much sublime beauty amid the agile fiddle and strategic bass, and “The Arms Of Your Mother” exits with articulate story telling that’s paired with meticulous acoustic guitar.

A very fluid and timeless first effort, let’s hope that there’s more coming soon from Sumner and company, cause their careful version of indie-folk is absolutely worth repeated listens.

Travels well with: Heather Sarona- Head Above Water; Jane Bruce- My Bed

Rest As Mutes

A Secret History Of Our Future

Self-Released, 2019

9/10

A Secret History Of Our Future

This sophomore album from the trio Rest As Mutes has the Seattle outfit taking the grunge influences from their hometown, as well as noise-rock, post-punk and even shoegaze to these 6 detailed and mesmerizing tunes.

“Sermon” gets the album started with an ominous setting of post-punk mystery that builds into a complicated, busy display that touches on psyche and prog-rock, and “Voyage” follows with an angular, cinematic quality where group vocals add a raw edge to the affair.

The back half of the listen is, thankfully, more of the same, as “Plague” finds a dark place to reside amid sonically engaging instrumentation, while “Trial” picks up the pace into post-hardcore crunch that’s as visceral as it is gripping. “Witches” ends the listen with soaring, uproarious vocals and an approach that you could almost sing-along to, but segues into a mashing of abrasiveness, hypnotic and unclassifiable textures.

A concept record about a fictional witch trial in Colonial America, if you haven’t familiarized yourself with Rest As Mutes yet, you may want to fix that immediately, as post-hardcore just doesn’t get much more interesting than this.

Travels well with: Shellac- 1000 Hurts; Failure- Fantastic Planet