And So I Watch You From Afar : "Megafauna"

This Irish band's 7th album is a lively jam that embraces more math rock than it indulges in the kind of atmosphere that we could consider post-rock. That does not mean this album is devoid of ambiance or dynamics, there are plenty of both just expressed differently. The first two songs carry the momentum you might expect from a live show and the band does not head into the more experimental direction until "Gallery of Honor" which brings in so many different sounds that it gets hard to balance them out in the context of the song. 

They go about experimentation more gracefully in the first part of "Mother Belfast". It flows smoothly and allows for their abilities as musicians to be showcased in a manner that allows you to hear how underrated these guys are. I was not expecting some of the harder sections, where they are willing to go into oa more aggressive almost metallic style of playing. Only one song goes over the six-minute mark, yet they use their time wisely and cram a great deal into the allotted time without allowing the jam to sprawl. This creates a sense of urgency. The guitar solos on the second part of "Mother Belfast" give things a little more of a rock n roll feel. The fact that this album is instrumental and manages to hold my attention like it does is impressive. 

"Years Ago' has some great bass playing on it, but is less focused than the previous songs, the more abstract nature it floats in creates this. "Any Joy" floats with more ambiance, it flirts with classical music, and even in its listless melodies, it is enjoyable. Even with the distinct syncopated jangle "Button Days' it feels like it is running with other songs. There is strong drumming, but it does not make it more interesting. The last song is less adventurous than you would expect they stay in the middle road of the wheelhouse they are comfortable in.  I will give this album a 9, it's more about playing the instruments and creating the energy and mood than the songs but still impressive. 

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