Labels: Denovali
Review by: Samuel Fowler
Iroha sound very similar (indeed) to two other bands I know and love
very much. A bit of research later, and this is most likely because
two of Iroha have/ do time in these bands. That makes sense I guess!
Definately a distinct characteristic found in a lot of bands that
bloom out from the tree blooming from the seed Godflesh planted.
Diverse as many of the offshoots are, a thread somewhere in the
background traces them all back. Iroha are definately one of the more
youthful wistful branches of the tree. Most of these bands ply their
trade in creating a behemoth of indifferent relentless pressure, with
each wave dragging further and further down. Iroha seem to have gone
in the opposite direction, think more around Conquerer era Jesu where
the focus was more about creating soaring songs with sepulchural
chants floating along like some half remembered dream.
Where many of the bands fuzzing out droney shoegaze types of sounds
ply in apathy and indifference, Its refreshing that Iroha aren’t in
any way depressive. After a few listens it clicked what other band
mines this frame of mood, and that’ll be American Football… now
there’s a comparison they definitely never spotted coming!
I am a complete sucker for this very specific (and very British) sound
and Iroha deliver in spades, somehow sounding everything and nothing
like former projects. Get it! I know I’m mentally bookmarking Iroha as
my go to band as listening for very specific moods. It’s the perfect
thing for the start of a crisp wintery morning cocooned up warm near
the window with a brew.