EP Review – Trusted Arcs “Static Projections”
The best thing about doing this music-stuff? It’s finding something new and exciting….. and really really good, and getting to share that with others. This is one of those days :-)
We were recently contacted by Trusted Arcs, an instrumental alternative post-rock band from Bristol following the recent release of their debut EP “Statis Projections”. Trusted Arcs are Rhys Eggleton (guitar, bass & keyboards) and Ollie Emanuel (drums) and it was started by Rhys during lockdown as a form of vital creative escapism during those dark lockdown days. Built into a demo, it led to the recruitment of Ollie and together they have honed the sound, producing an atmospheric, brooding soundscape of rich complex textures and reverb dripping guitars.
Atmospheric instrumental and broody….? Hold my beer, this sounds just like our thing at LiveWire !
As you might expect at times, this strays into the heavier harmonies of a fuller doom metal sound, from such as Pallbearer, or Mairu, but at other times, its light and refreshing and delicate in nature, and a simply extraordinary juxtaposition of sonic experiences. It’s a balancing act that Trusted Arcs do very very well indeed.
The EP has four tracks, starting with Third Announcement. And what an opener it is. The track starts with an outstanding section, which sounds like a slowed down, deeper, more haunting “Schism” vibe from Tool. It just drips with mellow intensity, and the interaction between guitar and drums is excellent. Neither dominates the sound, but compliment each other throughout, taking it in turns to lead.
Check out the video for Third Announcement below:
This is followed by Snow Day which has an overall lighter approach, with a layered guitar mix to create additional depth to counteract the softness. It has an almost ethereal feel to it created with the long drawn out reverb guitar tones and towards the end some almost Floyd like stretched guitar sounds rising to the stars as the track transforms into a keys led finale that simply melts away.
Third Announcement is my definitely my favourite track, but I have to say it is run close by the EP’s shortest track, Ornate Passageway. This one is only 1:03 long but is simply oozing emotion and atmosphere. Musically, it reminded me hugely of Cracked Hands, a Nottingham based duo, wo perform poetry against a complex web of effect driven guitar sounds. Here the guitar tones echo and reverberate round the listener creating an immersive, almost spiritual experience. The high notes take on a hauntingly human vocal tone, as crashing cymbals wash over you like waves of distant thunder. Oh wow !
Finally, we have Light of Voids which is different again. The track is broken into sections switching between laid back, and then heavier fuzzy guitar led sections backed again by crashing cymbals, before, in an instant, changing it up, becoming crisp and clear with more of a reverb vibe going on. This interplay within the track is great and creates an enjoyable dynamic. As the track builds towards the end, the guitar picks up a catchy, repetitive riff that has your foot involuntarily tapping. The drums build with it bringing the track to a dramatic conclusion.
Wow, quite simply, I loved it. A little over 16mins from start to finish, and I’ve just listened to it through four times, and honestly, each time it just gets better !
Personally I LOVE a bit of atmospheric doom metal, bands like Pallbearer, Elder, Mairu, Urne etcThis has some of that BUT it has a whole lot more too. It can be raw and intense, but then it can also be quiet and delicate. Its explosive and yet intimate in equal measure. The way Rhys on guitars and Ollie work together is sublime, each complimenting the other so so well. No one element dominates their sound.
It’s atmospheric and creates a sonically impressive immersive environment, allowing you as the listener to be swept away with thought.
I loved it, and for a debut, its fully deserving of a 9.0 from LiveWire Music. You know, for me, the best way to listen to this ? Would be live !!! Trusted Arc are one were going to keep a close eye on. Here’s to plenty more to come !
Available to stream now, check out the Trusted Arcs LinkTree HERE.
