Musk Ox : Inheritance

Canadian chamber folk trio Musk Ox return after a lengthy hiatus with their third full-length, which they describe as ‘a cathartic collection where wordless hymns of worry and wonder form the stirring soundtrack to an uncertain age of reckoning, reflection and resilience’. It’s fair to say that, true to the description, Inheritance is not a light listen. The trio, comprising Nathaniel Larochette on classical guitar, Raphael Weinroth-Browne on Cello and Evan Runge on violin, create dramatic soundscapes that almost perfectly complement the cover art; at times bleak and melancholic, but also capable of moments of beauty and transcendence. The interplay between the three instrumentalists is never less than exemplary, and is perhaps best shown in the lengthy “Inheritance (Part 2 - Hindsight)�, where an atmosphere of suspense is skilfully created as the piece builds, layer by layer, creating a sense of unease at times, but also flickers of hope as the intensity subsides.

There are some lighter moments (“Ritual�, for instance), but this is all relative and it’s fair to say this is quite a sombre listen that, personally, I needed to be in the right mood for to really appreciate. It is very skilfully composed, and I think those who enjoy the atmospheric side of post-black metal, as well as fans of classical chamber music, would be well advised to investigate further.

Tracklist:
1. Inheritance (Part 1 - Premonition)
2. Inheritance (Part 2 - Hindsight)
3. Memoriam
4. Ritual
5. Weightless

Added: December 23rd 2021
Reviewer: Tom De Val
Score:
Related Link: Band @ Bandcamp
Hits: 915
Language: english

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