Long Distance Calling: The Flood Inside

Much and little has changed in the world of Long Distance Calling since their 2011 self titled third album. Founding member Reimut von Bonn - who the band had referred to as their "electronic wizard" - departing and vocalist and "sound provider" Martin Fischer bringing the band's first permanent voice to what has been largely, give or take a few guest singers, an instrumental act. That however doesn't stop the LDC's fourth album, The Flood Inside from being voice free for long sections, still relying on hypnotic riffs and moody atmospheres to weave seductive progressive post-rock spells. "Ductus" is a prime example, where an Eastern rhythm snuggles into a bulging riff to make for a Clutch meets Porcupine Tree call to prayers.

Vocally Fischer is an enigmatic performer, his delivery being more about passion than precision, a perfect choice for music that punches hard with twin guitar fuelled emotion and punishing beats. Don't however take that to mean that he isn't a skilled singer, as that would be wholly inaccurate, with the ever weaving "Into The Flood" benefitting hugely from his interjections, while the deeply atmospheric and building "Tell The End" is a real highlight, the vocals punching through the echoing guitars and beats to great effect. That doesn't stop the instrumental tracks from being equally captivating, the busy percussion and stinging bursts of guitars finding their mark precisely on "Breaker", the longest song on the album gently inhaling and exhaling lung full's of atmosphere with every cracking beat and pulsating riff. "Welcome Change" however combines the two, vocals adding texture to long instrumental sections that positively surge with energy.

Long Distance Calling are a band long known for inviting guests to contribute, this time round we find collaborations with Vincent Cavanagh (Anathema), blues talent Henrik Freischlader and Jahcoozi-mastermind Robot Koch. Additionally, there is the Norwegian singer/songwriter Petter Carlsen, Tuneverse cofounder Alex Komlew and Mario Cullmann (formerly known as DJ Coolman for Fünf Sterne Deluxe), neatly nestling together, explaining why the end results will find favour with metal fans, prog lovers and even those more used to a night in a club. Hard hitting one minute, deep and atmospheric the next The Flood Inside positively bristles through the twin guitar work from David Jordan and Florian Funtmann, while the bass and drum pairing of Jan Hoffmann and Janosch Rathmer are quite superb.

A confident, assured fresh step, that won't alienate long-term fans, but which undoubtedly has the class and skill to attract new followers. Long Distance Calling look destined to flourish and blossom from a well kept secret, into long overdue leaders of the pack.

Track Listing
1. Nucleus
2. Inside The Flood
3. Ductus
4. Tell The End
5. Welcome Change
6. Waves
7. The Man Within
8. Breaker

Added: March 27th 2013
Reviewer: Steven Reid
Score:
Related Link: Long Distance Calling online
Hits: 2302
Language: english

[ Printer Friendly Page ]
[ Send to a Friend ]