Flares
Sickening Joy Album Review
Unsigned
Released August 30, 2014
Genre: Post-Rock, Black Metal (occasionally), Post-Metal, Space Rock
Flares is a brand-spanking new post-rock group, fresh out of North Texas. Post-rock can be a derivative genre, but Flares put in the extra effort to make something that transcends the usual style. With a minimal amount of fluff (superfluous effects, random instrumentation, etc.), Flares have taken us on a beautifully spacious journey.
Kicking off the album is “Lucid,” a song that starts with a repeating pattern, the typical reverb-laden riff that one may find in a post-rock tune. However, the latter half of the track is where the band shines. As the track progresses,the group adds extra instrumentation and effects at the right time. They demonstrate a knack for creating vast soundscapes with just three members. I felt totally transported to another dimension with this track, as well as other tracks. The space-rock flavors (very reminiscent of Hum) elevate the next track, “Purge,” a majestic mammoth, clocking in at over 8 minutes. The riff that intersects this track is undeniably catchy, just like many of the riffs on this project. “Reconcile” has a well-executed black metal approach reminiscent of many blackened shoegaze bands.
Only complaints: “Mute” and “Communion” could’ve used more change-ups compositionally speaking. Good job, fellas. Here’s their site.
PRETTY NEAT MUSIC
FAV TRACKS: Lucid, Purge, Reconcile
LEAST FAV TRACKS: Mute, Communion
