Minor Deaths
Divine Schism/Noyes, 2021
9/10
The Canadian outfit Slow Down Molasses made quite an impression with 2016’s 100% Sunshine, and this follow up continues their rich and raw song craft that offers both quick bursts of visceral rock as well as lengthy, adventurous energy that pushes and pulls with dynamic tension.
The album makes an impressive start with the sonic noise of “I Need Darkness”, that abruptly shifts into melodic, gritty alt-rock that’s hard hitting yet tuneful, and “Revisionists” follows with a firm post-punk approach, where acrobatic drumming and angular guitar work weave in and out of bristling and calm moments.
“Some Fine Action” lands at the halfway point, and emits some shoegaze nods amid very modern indie-rock, while “Please Stop Paying Such Close Attention” recruits atmosphere and an ominous quality as noisy waves of dissonance collide with densely layered post-punk.
Close to the end, “Hot Furnaces Are Hot!” spends 10+ minutes exploring crunchy punk, alt-rock and indie sensibilities with an often abrasive delivery that occasionally finds gentle, dreamy ebbs to reside in, and “Nihilist Whisper” finishes the listen with some spacey, prog-like exploration amid mysterious vocals.
It won’t be hard to spot influences like Sonic Youth, Gang Of Four or even Built To Spill across Minor Deaths, which could never be a bad thing, as Slow Down Molasses put a very exciting and absorbing spin on post-punk.
Travels well with: The Holy- Mono Freedom; Kidsmoke- A Vision In The Dark