Towers - II - Download (2014)

Labels: Eolian Empire
Review by: Alex Deller

Towers are a band I’ve only had occasional contact with. A 7″ with a smart cover and a split with They And The Children about sums it up, and their Discogs page shows they have waaayyyyy more than this out there. While I remember those two releases being hectic, blustery hardcore with a whiff of mid 00s screamo about them, this is a murkier, trudgier affair that sees the drum/bass duo sinking their tendrils deep into muddier waters. While not a doom or sludge band per se you still get the feeling that records by High On Fire, godheadSilo and Toadliquor might receive occasional spins at Towers HQ, and with their ambitiously elongated structures they’re not too far removed from Beehoover or Aussie labelmates DEAD. Like most Eolian Empire bands I’ve come across they maintain a distinctive and individual air about them, and while this is not to be faulted they’re maybe not as gripping or compelling as some of the label’s weirder, wilder offerings. Good, though, and solid enough not to be sniffed at if you like your heavy stuff somewhat skewed.