REFRACTIONS

Here we have some fantastic post metal flavoured songs within reach, almost perfect. I'm not sure what happened to the band further. Formed in 2005 MENISCUS marks a three piece outfit from Australia, eh, concerning the musical aspect. As many others, you may say. Though surprisingly there is a fourth member listed in this case, Martin Wong. He's delivering the visuals, yeah, definitely important for the live shows, you bet. Anyway, in 2016 they have released this album, their latest sign of life so far, for what I know. Now the Bird's Robe Records label thankfully have offered a new vinyl pressing and international re-release in 2021. This was my starting point. What a surprise! The eight compositions included are beyond exception, really really impressing. What makes it very attractive, there's a strong space rock resemblance included, similar to the band Tacoma Narrows Bridge Disaster for instance.

MENISCUS are not defining something noticeably new, but the band's musicianship is absolutely priceless, yet speaking of Alison Kerjean (bass), drummer Alex O'Toole and Daniel Oreskovic (guitar). They are providing a constant brew with heavy impressions and relaxed portions, examplarily to highlight the brilliant track Hamster. What an entertaining song collection, rich in inspiration and emotion. Hereby the compositions are not very tricky actually, let's say in terms of changing time signatures and the range of the used instruments. But it's melodic, atmospheric, utterly tension-filled. The band is constantly juggling with nuances instead, increase and decrease, climbing up the walls and coming down again. And this is headed by a multi-tracked guitar work as the real sensation. 4.5 stars, close to a progressive rock masterpiece!