John, The Void
Self Titled EP
Independent (2014)
Proving that Italians can do the doomy, post-metal thing just as well as anyone else, mysterious and methodical five-piece group John, the Void’s 2014 self-titled EP (which actually runs a bit longer than what I might typically expect from an extended play) features six tracks ranging from two minute ambient pieces to sprawling, nine-minute epics. Throughout this very atmospheric but sometimes bleak album, I was most appreciative of the level of precision in the instrumental parts and the quality of the production of the album. All in all, it’s a very solid debut release from a veteran group of players.John, the Void kicks off with “The eleventh,” a track in which droning didgeridoo-like tones pulse under scratchy and screechy industrial crackle and pop. Slowly building in intensity over its duration, the end of this opener fades out and eventually gives way to the more traditional, guitar-driven opening to second track “In rows.” Playing out to a drudging, slow headband tempo, this track is the first to introduce growling, screamy vocals that actually fit nicely alongside the unsettling instrumental melodies. Initially, I thought these vocals might have been in Italian since I couldn’t make out a single syllable, but apparently they’re … Read more
Earthless & Heavy Blanket
In a Dutch Haze
Outer Battery Records / Roadburn Records (2014)
Hour-long songs can be somewhat of a hard sell. For starters, there has to be an audience of listeners who … Read more
London Grammar
If You Wait
Columbia (2013)
Heartbreak in its truest form is one of life's most sobering and unyielding experiences. As the tedious old adage goes: … Read more
