Labels: self released
Review by: Andy Malcolm
Damn, someone sent us something for review that is flat out good! That doesn’t happen too often. Grozny is a youthful Glaswegian outfit, indulging in some mathy emo antics.
The first track starts off fantastically, rumbling away before slightly losing it’s way around the three and a half minute mark, then finding it again. A really good introduction to the band, showcasing their ability to craft a complex song that makes a lasting impression. The music is pitched in the whole early / mid 90s post rock arena, and for me comes across as a mix of bands such as Slint, Griver and Blake, not relying fully on any of the aspects of these bands sounds to come up with something that actually feels creative and fresh. The second track is a bit more muddled and confused, but does find it’s way. Things wind up with the 11 minute “Q. Collman”, which ushers in white noise and interference, before chiming, repetitious guitars slide into earshot, very Indian Summer! It builds up the noise, and introduces the yelled vocals in the background. The song settles into a groove and rolls along, with minor variations here and there, creating an effective hypnotic feeling. Great stuff.
I love the under-production, the live feel of the distant, yet audible garbled vocals, and the way the songs integrate the math rock sound without becoming a blur of technicality and tedium. It is a great example of how to play this style without ripping off Slint or being wanky. The band also have a healthy appreciation of history, most of it is lost on me but the songs have a historical / political angle which is not what you’ll get from your average math-rock band I am sure.