DUST AND DISQUIET

Caspian began life as a fairly generic post-rock band, one that lacked much substance behind their music. Over the years, they have expanded their sound while still remaining within the general post-rock genre, and their 2015 effort Dust and Disquiet sees them continue to expand and improve their songwriting.

Still relying on a post-rock basis, Dust and Disquiet moves farther away from a bright and fluffy sound comparable to Explosions in the Sky. I for one tend to prefer gloomier, melancholic post-rock rather than the more upbeat side of the genre, and some of this explores darker and deeper territory, with influence from post-metal and more than just one or two definite moments of heaviness. The songs are generally mid-length, but there are quite a few full-fledged, buildup-oriented epics present that are able to create the beginnings of a mood. The metal elements are an integral part of Dust and Disquiet's appeal, as these longer pieces are based more around a heavy finish as their climaxes rather than a happy, uplifting one, aside from the title track, a song in two movements. Carrying a feeling of boldness, Arc of Command especially brings the dramatic flair that in some cases defines D&D.

Caspian is firmly rooted in post-rock, but they subtly reach outside of the genre, even outside of post-metal, with the presence of further diversity. Darkfield's percussion solo, played on exactly what I can't tell (but it's not a typical rock drum kit), serves as a great intro to the rest of the song. D&D features vocals, although the vast majority of the release remains instrumental. The vocals take a background role on Echo and Abyss, but calm acoustic ballad Run Dry is more centered on these than anything else. Caspian seems to have also taken a liking for quiet, almost ambient short tracks, from the introductory, warm and soothing Separation No. 2, to interlude Equal Night, to Aeternum Vale, the song that sets up the album's grand finale. It's a bit disappointing that their most unconventional instrumentation is on these short songs.

Caspian's expansion of their sound, while still largely post-rock with some heavier flourishes, coupled with an improvement in songwriting, provides an excellent release. Dust and Disquiet's direction might eventually lead to some truly quality and innovative material in the future; I look forward to hearing what this band does next.