Ruins

Instrumental sludge has a limited appeal. In order to entrance me in to enjoying the work of instrumental sludge bands, which is usually too aggressive for my liking, I need to hear defining qualities that establish the band as a unique act, unlike any I’ve heard previous to it. Bossk, for example, were a fantastic instrumental sludge act. With components that reminded me of Isis, they took instrumental sludge to levels I have never previously heard. However, bands like North merely sound mediocre in comparison to the mammoth, and now sadly defunct Bossk style. There are some glorious moments when North explore a less aggressive and angst ridden style that I can enjoy, but the aggression that is sludge usually tends to spill over, and without a vocalist to channel that aggression in the right way, North don’t impress all too much when it comes to the atmospherics of the sludge elements, which apparently dominate the styling of the band. There are times when one can feel a certain influence from bands like Isis, or Callisto, but one is to assume that is where the post-rock elements are meant to distinguish this band from the others of this nature.

Sludge is known as the faster and more testosterone filled sibling to doom and when it is done correctly, it can sound tremendous. North, to me, explore elements of post-rock in songs like ‘Farewell When The Road Darkens’, and it truly does sound immense, but the lack of impact and sustainable material is the downfall of this record. Although elements like the production, which is superbly suited to the ideals of the American band, do create some praise, there are certainly better outfits out there whom have already perfected, or come as close to perfection as possible, the post-rock sound. North aren’t as mature. This piece, entitled ‘Ruins’, splits in to two very different works. The first half, dominated by harsher guitars and a more pressing style of percussion isn’t as effective as the second half, which doesn’t limit itself as much and tends to explore more often the style of sludge, mixed with post-rock-ish sounds in the form of soaring guitar leads and distinguishable bass lines that proceed to perfect the underlining beauty of ‘Ruins‘. The contrast between the first and second half of this record, which splits at about track 3 or 4, is concerning. When slowed down, North leave a much better impression and manage to generate impervious soundscapes, which penetrate the listeners mind, causing them to reflect and think of deep philosophical themes that the music could have been inspired by.

It would now seem, like many instrumental sludge bands seem to do, that North now have a vocalist in order to project their message more expressively. Also, a keyboardist has been added to the line-up, which will certainly underline the post-rock vibe that bubbles beneath the surface like a volcano preparing to erupt. I am interested to hear their second album, which should have eliminated the problems that this effort has unfortunately run in to. The post-rock vibe is where, of course, the best aspects of North can be found. ‘Ruins’ tends to rely far too much on these aspects however, as the record progresses to a close. Not only this, but the record is far too short! At just under half an hour, ‘Ruins’ doesn’t leave itself much time in order to portray, with a true sense of meaning and valuable direction, it’s themes. The song writing isn’t bad, especially as it manages to incorporate a decent amount of bass and cymbal/snare work which enhances the glorious soaring sound of the instrumentation, but the short length of the record does detract from it’s overall worth. Obviously, the lack of vocals doesn’t deter the listener, but also doesn’t invite them in. The vocals could possible add more emotional depth to the music, which is already quite impressive. Although this effort isn’t ridden with atrocities, it doesn’t do itself any favours by portraying two sides of music in ways which don’t necessarily compliment each other. Worthy due to it's highly emotion content, but there is better out there and this is far too short to leave a lasting impression.