MALVAL

Shora is one of those bands that prefer to live in obscurity since its rare to find proper information from them. Hailing from Switzerland, these guys started out as a hardcore band and then turned softer and more atmospheric sound until they started sounding like other post-rock acts, but without leaving completely their past influences.

To be honest, they rarely sound like a post-rock band (at least the stereotypical type) and that's a good thing, but they're still a post-rock band on this album. They're sound is rather dark, but in a menacing way rather than a depressing one. While having softer spacier parts in their music the more prevalent sound is the heavier ones which may come of as a less distorted Isis. The band has also its share of complexity while still maintaining a good sense of melody. The album is also quite varied in its sound and themes while still having a ominous sound. The last song on the album breaks the complexity and intimidating sound of the previous songs for a couple of minutes in favor of a spaced out sound made with synths before starting with their own brand of post-rock and then end the album unexpectedly with female vocals in the last 2 minutes or so.

The band I quickly draw comparison with is GUAPO in their Black Oni album. Think Guapo with a more post-rock oriented sound and a guitar instead of a Fender Rhodes piano and you'll get the picture of what Shora sounds like, but even then there are parts on this albums that has Rhodes piano making their sound even more similar. I think the resemblance in sound has more to do with luck than anything else since both bands come from totally different backgrounds, but nonetheless, if you're a fan of Guapo's Black Oni then there's no doubt you'll enjoy Shora's Malval.

3.5 out of 5

3 stars is such a mean rating. SHORA is above average, but I wouldn’t call it a masterpiece also. 3.5 stars.

SHORA from Switzerland plays wonderful instrumental (OK, there are few vocals here and there) Post-Rock in vein of MAGYAR POSSE – not that much keen on guitars as MOGWAI or Post-Metal bands usually do, not that much melancholic as GYBE or MONO tend to create, not that much electronic and too modern as 65DAYSOFSTATIC or TORTOISE produce. Despite the fact that they have elements from almost any band I’ve mentioned, they are pretty solid-sounding band and I’d definitely visit a live show of them. Some moments are magically hypnotizing (better than any so-called Trance music!), some have almost Rothery-like tremolo guitar sound…songs flow one into another creating everlasting feeling of “been-there”. Atmospheric and relaxing, but never degrading into “background” music, SHORA’s “Malval” is an excellent addition to any Post-Rock collection. If you’re into light side of Post-Rock, you should definitely check this one out