Broughton's Rules: Anechoic Horizon

If you read my review of Usnea's Random Cosmic Violence, you'll already have a pretty good idea of what I hope to say about the new release from Broughton's Rules. Sure, the two bands are very different in sound and scope, but they are both exploring new ground on their latest releases and, frankly, they sound great. It's also cool that they are both now part of Relapse Records. With hope, that will mean plenty of exposure to lots of new fans.

Usnea's album develops its creative chops within a sludge / doom framework. Broughton's Rules develops its sound within something more akin to post-metal. There's a slight element of minimalism here, the sort of music that focuses on the building-blocks of music and does so with repetition and rather slow, deliberate, musical development. Some of the tracks here also reminded me a little of the experimental side of composers like John Cage. I suppose I'm playing fast and loose with these comparisons a little bit; Broughton's Rules really stands apart from the music of Glass, Cage, and others, but I can't help but notice a kinship, a family resemblance of sorts.

As I listened to this album, I was fascinated with the various layers of sound coming out of the guitars. Strange as it sounds, I was even more fascinated with the way the drums disappeared and I didn't even notice. There are so many little rhythms going on here that I sometimes heard drums when they weren't there. I especially liked the rhythmic qualities of "The Fields of None." I loved that track; I've got it on right now as I write. It's definitely a highlight.

In the spirit of keeping things brief, I'll just say this: Broughton's Rules has created an engaging, weird, and exciting album. It's worth a listen, but not a quick listen. This is music for a quiet afternoon, headphones on, eyes closed, and thoughts drifting.

Track Listing:
1. Reversers
2. Gothics
3. Insanity Dance
4. Anechoic Horizon
5. The Fields of None
6. New Weather
7. Shadows and Light
8. Umbra

Added: December 13th 2014
Reviewer: Carl Sederholm
Score:
Related Link: Band Facebook Page
Hits: 1736
Language: english

[ Printer Friendly Page ]
[ Send to a Friend ]