Labels: Brew Records
Review by: Dangerous Jamie
Castrovalva is the brainchild of two experi-mentalists from Leeds that seem to exist in transcendence between post-rock, searing metal and glitchy electro jams, it really is a totally unique sound that occasionally flickers its influences for fleeting seconds. The songs are pretty short and sweet, with the repetition of audible themes carrying the brunt of Castovalva’s wordless message. Careening from hauntingly beautiful to crunchy and destructive in a matter of moments, this plays like a concept album, meandering through an almost dreamlike state filled with fear, happiness, and anger. Although there are generally only two instruments on the go, the creative production creates a world both dense and spacey and is where this eponymous effort really excels. Is it possible to create that perfect combination of foot-tappers and brain-workers? This album is physical proof that you can, the nigh on perfect balance that exists within this jewel case is just phenomenal. They have successfully created what is probably the catchiest experimental music I have ever heard. If you like music that requires a degree mental investment as much as an emotional one, then I would urge you to spin this album.