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.

CASPAIN are a six piece, Post rock band out of Massachusetts. They have released five studio albums so far, and "Dust And Disquiet" from 2015 is their third. I also have their second studio record "Waking Season" and both are fine examples of what Post rock is all about. This one certainly triggered my emotions each time I played it, and not all good emotions either. I've been through some stuff and for some reason the two tracks with vocals bring a negative emotion my way. And while I mentioned they are a six piece, you can double that here with all the guests including the singers. I believe this is a first for this band to be employing vocals.

The opener "Separation No. 2" brings a positive emotion with that beautiful atmosphere. More of that on the next track "Rioseco" created by the guitars and keys, but check out the guest strings as well. Great track where it turns powerful, but there's also this majesty as well about it. Slide guitar too at one point. "Darkfield" is an example of them going quite heavy before 4 minutes before it relaxes with Post rock styled guitars. The closer and title track is the longest at 11 1/2 minutes and full of contrasts. They get close to metal at times on this record.

This is without question a worthy album in the Post rock tradition. They went all out it seems, adding horns as well on this one. I really feel that if your into this sub-genre you really need to hear this band, and especially the back to back "Waking Season" and "Dust And Disquiet". 4 stars.