SUBSETS OF SETS

Just an excellent debut from these New Zealander Post rockers. The cover art really gives a clue to how the music sounds as well. Dark and melancholic with lots of depth and atmosphere. Lots of repetitive sounds but more outbursts of power than their "Solace" album from 2006 which is partly why I like this one better. Some guest cello on a couple of tracks but this is pretty much guitars, bass and drums in the Post-Rock tradition.

"Drive Here And Then" is catchy and restrained with that beat and guitar. It kicks in with power at 2 minutes then settles back as contrasts continue. A good opener. "I'm On Your Side" is laid back with some depth and bass sounds. I'm drawn to this sound so much. It then explodes after 2 1/2 minutes then settles back a minute later with guitar playing over this time.

"Nice Day For An Earthquake" is laid back again to begin with along with plenty of depth. Some guitar in the Post-Rock style before 2 minutes and it slowly gets louder until dropping out before 3 1/2 minutes. It kicks in with power after 4 minutes. "Ageena" is a top three for me. Drums only to start as some nasty bass joins in followed by guitar. Great sound! It kicks in around 1 1/2 minutes then settles back as contrasts continue. Amazing sound after 5 minutes as it gets experimental and powerful.

"A Moment From Different Angles" is another one with a relaxed start along with depth. The tempo picks up just before 3 minutes but not for long. "Aural" has beats, guitar and cello and is rather short at 2 minutes. "Calmrock" has bass and shimmering sounds as the drums join in. It's laid back but building as Post-Rock guitars join in. It settles back again. "Overseen" is a repetitive, melancholic piece with a laid back vibe once again. Guest cello 2 1/2 minutes in.

"Saiines" has strummed guitar as drums join in and it's rather dark and atmospheric as it builds. Some power before 2 minutes. Nice. It calms right down at 3 minutes to the end. "Ryan" is a top three and it just sounds so good as they continue with the same sort of sound. It stays fairly repetitive until kicking in after 4 minutes. Gotta love that guitar 5 minutes in.

"The Collar Sets Well" has some fast paced guitar as drums join in. This one has a brighter sound to it. It kicks into a powerful sound a couple of times. "Some Summer" ends it and it's the longest at 7 1/2 minutes. Pleasant guitar as drums and bass join in. It's laid back really although it settles more after 3 minutes and again at 5 minutes the latter has guitars that echo and spacey sounds too.

I just like the overall sound of this one and would rate it right there with their EP called "Dominion", a solid 4 stars.