Dead Heretic

Scotland is sure doing some thing right and the musicians there are creating some of the best sounds to be had anywhere. Adding to the growing portfolio of synth sounds by Exit Chamber, A Sudden Burst of Colour (ASBOC) take the whole smooth ambience in a post rock direction. It has been some time since I last waxed lyrical about a post rock band, and longer since I have found a new sound to do so about. ASBOC's Galvanise is just that new sound.

At one and the same time, deep, sombre and resonant, ASBOC break out into vibrations of irrepressible energy like Jack from beanstalk fame amped up on speed. At no point do the musicians of this group lose control, but keep their focus and tight coordination on point and produce a polished, variable and delightful album.

There is some that reminds me of Greece's Halocraft, with ASBOC bordering on the same whimsy and ethereal imagineering. A listen to “Beneath the Green Cascade” will show you what I mean. It is fun, light and smooth with points of interruption just to make sure you're following along.

“Threads of Time” is one of my favourite tracks of the album, starting low and resonant. Just the way I like it. With the lack of lyrics, humming makes a good substitute. The track is sombre, reflective and emotive all in the right ways, connecting in all of the right places. This is a Mona Lisa in sound, though I suspect Mona Lisa could not pull off the sounds of ASBOC as they do. “Threads of Time” is that one track sucking me into the world of lullabies and break ups, all with the philosophical mindset of Marcus Aurelius the Stoic.

A Sudden Burst of Colour do more than strum guitars on Galvanise. There are other instruments hidden away in the in-betweens of chords and bridges. Motifs hide away in the soundscape waiting for you to discover them and their complex gorgeousness. Galvanise is the “jam in my jellyroll”, to quote a certain security guard from Lethal Weapon 3.

For post rock fans, Galvanise is wonderful journey into the minds of the trio behind the sounds. And yes, you can get it on vinyl! Check these lads out and see what you think!