WAR OF CURRENTS

Meniscus is a very cool ambient/post-rock instrumental outfit from Sydney, and "War of Currents" is their impressive full length studio debut. The band formed in 2005 and in 2007 original drummer Duncan Wilson was out. In 2009 Cameron Brennan joined original members Daniel Oreskovic and Alison Kerjean. The band's style is to focus less on standard structure and literal themes, instead attempting "expression of moods, feelings and emotions" using whatever sounds necessary. Their hypnotic live shows are enhanced by live collaborator Marty Wong who provides sophisticated visuals for the band performances.

The fact that we have this band in metal suggests their early EP may have been different, but this album is sort of ambient post-rock with flair, I would suggest. At times they channel the Sigur Ros type groups but they are more animated and explosive, reminding me of a cross between Oceansize and their fellow Aussie musicians in Laura. (Several sources claim they sound quite similar to Jakob, a band I've not heard) "War of Currents" has a pleasantly live feel to it, never smothered in overproduction or buried in excessive electronica noise. The bass and drums are formidable and set the stage for breathtaking guitar loops and dives, often augmented with various unsettling effects. There are six tracks in the 4-8 minute range making for a perfect length overall-first they pull you in, swoon you into something of a daze, then they pummel you. The bursts of explosive rock are balanced by lighter shades with plenty of pretty, moody playing, and the unique personality of each track is refreshing. This is not one of those post albums where you have 65 minutes of static doldrum requiring smelling salts to bring you back.

Spoken word narration is used briefly to good effect. Oreskovic occasionally gives off some Andy Summers or The Edge vibe to his playing, while Kerjean's bass is just massive thick and animated, I love it. Brennan is an interesting percussionist as well, inventive, unpredictable, and sometimes just rides the hell out of his cymbals until they shimmer. These three really have great chemistry as players. "Immersion" is a favorite, the gorgeous, swelling post-rock chords keep coming in waves, suddenly hard-to-hear voices and laughter through a fog, unexpected rhythm changes, and a powerful conclusion. The other long track, the closer "Infant" is equally impressive at layering and building. There is a ton of potential in this band and based on this new beginning, I'd say we're in for some amazing moments to come. 7/10

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