Gate-Sekai review

There are some bands whose sound is impossible to categorize.  This can be either a good or a bad thing, but it is often refreshing to hear something so original that as a listener, one can't help but be pleased with the artist's effort.

|**| Gate is a rare breed of an artist.  Hailing from Japan, Lajos Ishibashi-Brons creates an intense musical sound that straddles invisible lines between ambient drone, electronica, techno, and industrial.  This is an incredible journey through soundscapes too numerous to describe.  The best one can do in categorizing the sound this artist employs would be industrial noise.  As Gate's record label, Fluttery Records, tells it, there is sound in music throughout our world and that all our world is beautiful.  Just as warm melodies create space with passion and grace, sharp, discordant sounds create a different sense of bliss--a different state of sonic beauty.

To describe the music in "Sekai" as discordant would be an understatement.  The music herein is for open-minded listeners willing to dabble in any kind of musical pleasure.  The sound of "Sekai" is incredibly diverse, yet jagged, irregular, eerie, dissonant, and at times downright jarring.  Though many listeners will simply pass this album off as noise, the music contains an unmistakable thread of musical composition that few artists would dare attempt, let alone master.

"Sekai" is unlike any album I have ever heard, and that says a lot.  I never thought I would find myself listening to this type of music, but this music is so atypical that to attempt description through words is folly at best.  As layered and discordant as this music is, I inexplicably find it appealing and even addictive.  This music that truly must be heard to be understood or appreciated.  That said, I don't expect many of our readers to get a proper handle on this album.  Listen if you dare--the entire album stream via Gate's bandcamp page follows. 

This is an underrated effort that is worth the price. "Sekai's" five tracks average a hefty 15 minutes in length, so you will more than likely have to find something else to do while you listen.  Try to listen to the entire track you choose because there are so many jolts, so many surprises, twists and turns, that it is difficult to fathom.  It is a fantastic listen and I hope you enjoy.  Thanks for reading!

Inner Trip-Initiate review

The most interesting aspect of post rock music is that it can often take on other forms entirely.  One album may incorporate so much orchestral elements that it sounds like reverb-laden neoclassical music, while another may be more based on rock sensibilities.

Inner Trip, a solo act by Saman N, produces quiet, introspective post rock music leaning more toward electronic soundscapes and ambient structures with cinematic elements.  This artist is versatile.  While most songs on this album are purely instrumental, some include Trent Reznor-esqe industrial vocals that are sufficiently tasteful and not over-produced.  Put simply this is an interesting and unique listening experience.

Released by Fluttery Records, "Initiate" brings forth a certain charm that is not found in most post rock.  Middle-Eastern styled instruments sneak their way into the mix from time to time, never staying long enough to become overbearing or redundant.  At the same time, you get more of what you are expecting from post rock music, with a lot of echoing guitars and pianos, few drum sections, and long, drawn-out downbeat instrumentation. 

Fluttery Records' website mentions that Saman N, who resides in Iran, had to overcome a substantial amount of prejudice to win fans and land a record deal.  This is sad, because in my opinion, one's religious or political leanings should in no way determine how an artist is received, especially when such influences are not a focal part of the music said artist produces. 

Early on with this album, I found myself somewhat disappointed due to what i perceived as a lagging introduction.  This problem worked itself out later on in the album by building to a satisfying climax, where the varied instruments and electronic sounds reached a pitch that brought out a sweet atmosphere.  I feel confident that I can strongly recommend this album to fans of post rock music as well as those that are more interested in cinematic and contemporary music.  This is indeed a good listen that does not get old with repeated listens.  You can listen to the entire album below.  Thanks for reading and enjoy!