Aican are a relatively new band hailing from central Russia that play their own unique blend of instrumental post-rock. Assembled by Ilya Maltsev (guitars), Vitaly 'Krikston' Pereladov (guitars), Roman Varaskin (drums) and Vyacheslav 'Heidi' Bal (bass) in 2009, this young and talented group of musicians has just issued their promising debut effort entitled Art Saves / Kills, for the Russian label RAIG.
Drawing on influences from Mogwai, Tool and King Crimson, to name just a few, Aican have constructed an engaging seven track, forty some odd minute journey that is guaranteed to grab the listener and take them along into their magical labyrinth of varying moods and multi colored textures. Beginning with the first two tracks "Golem" and "Infinite Light", the quartet proves to be seasoned veterans at compositional construction and re-construction. Tension is slowly built and atmospheres are carefully established, as the twin assault of Maltsev and Pereladov cut a bold swath through the mix with their effects laden guitar work, while 'Heidi's' rubbery bass lines and Varaskin's constantly evolving, muscular patterns, guide the explorations further out into the stratosphere. The band's writing and arranging expertise is fully revealed on the eleven minute title track, but this is only the beginning because this is where things start to get even more interesting. No sooner has the smoke cleared on the spacey and raging thrust of "(You're Part Of My Freedom), before they throw a superb curveball at you with "Gentle Kick". This track ventures out into distinctly jazzier territory, thanks in large part due to the scorching sax contributions of guest musician Anton Churakov. Art Saves / Kills concludes with "Primal Earth - Primal Breathe" which is dedicated to King Crimson. A roaring three headed beast featuring some absolutely blistering guitar work, this nine minute epic is the perfect way to bring the album to it's rousing conclusion.
With Art Saves / Kills, Aican have created a moody and heavy, yet melodic, debut album that has tons of upside, but more importantly, reveals a lot of promise for the future as well.
Track Listing
1) Golem
2) Infinite Light
3) Pulse
4) Art Saves / Kills
5) (You're Part Of My) Freedom
6) Gentle Kick
7) Primal Earth - Primal Breathe
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