Elder – Lore

1. Compendium
2. Legend
3.
4. Deadweight
5. Spirit At Aphelion
” are one of the most distinguished bands in the ever-growing, ever-developing genre that is stoner-rock. Their most recent output before “” came three years ago in the form of the 20-minute two track split EP Spires Burn/Release. In the interim, vocalist/multi-instrumentalist Nick Disalvo found time for a new project named Gold And Silver which explored a jammed-out mixture of psych and prog rock, often nearing the jazzier, more gentle tonalities.”
“Such a spin-off has proven more than fruitful, as the band seems to have borrowed quite a bit from that approach on this newest outing, sounding similarly reflective throughout. Not quite what one would expect from a band with a history of being as heavy as they were on “Dead Roots Stirring”. On “”, these prior strengths have really been cranked up a notch but there are moments where the atmosphere is almost melancholic. This adjoining vulnerability is a welcome development, as I find it easy to tire of stoner-rock bands that keep cranking out albums in the vein of ‘show of muscles’, where riffs are galore yet there’s less to offer in terms of variation. Luckily show no dangers of falling into such a trap as I’ve yet to hear anyone play quite as thoughtfully as these guys.”
“The band seems to have quite a fondness of the five-song format, having used it for both their debut and sophomore effort that they’ve again replicated it here. The compositions on “” reman drawn-out, as per usual for , so one really has to take time with it. Out of the five tracks there’s only one that falls slightly short of the ten-minute mark and the sounds are ever more progressive. During these lengthy tracks the band ventures further into their own kind of fables than ever before and it most definitely always requires an attentive ear.”
“The first one out of the gate is a straight up ripper, coming in strong with throat-clenching riffs that you can’t help but nod along to. “Compendium” is a very turbulent ride with the guitars sounding absolutely lush throughout, the erratic-sounding riffs obviously quite considered, with Nick spewing forth with his instantly recognizable fervour. The song retains its stamina all the way through and the ten minute run of the track definitely feels like much less. There’s a captivating turn at midway point, akin to a break-down. After that a build-up is introduced, combined with a steady stream of guitars lodged between. Some very groovy riffs come in at the very end that cease the lustrous guitar meandering and the severe vocals return for a moment. A flawlessly presented beginning to the record.”
“”Legend” starts off with soothing guitar progressions, very reminiscent of the Gold And Silver debut. Having eased you into the track, these are soon replaced by a grandiose growth which serves as an introduction. The elegant instrumental storytelling then begins, interchanging throughout the track with Nick’s vocals that are masterfully buried in between the fold. The interplay between guitars and vocals very well compliments each-other, so devised that the voice manages to infiltrate any empty creases. There are also some sporadic thicker riffs weaving in and out providing some backbone for the canvas. The lyrical injections are easily discernible but quite laconic so even with the track’s considerable length, the story told still comes off quite ephemeral. Another build-up is employed on this one. When the summit is finally reached, the song goes onto a joyous descent. The convoluted riff-fuelled jamming develops until the end, as that one recognizable guitar theme that has followed beside you the whole way returns and takes you to the close.”
“The title track calls to mind some tale of a mythical journey as it descends deep into the waters and things get increasingly mind-bending. Ceaseless layers of guitars really give off a vibe as if you’re being e