Irepress
Samus Octology
8
Unbeknownst to some, Samus Octology was originally issued a couple years ago, so the Translation Loss edition isn’t quite as new as it seems. Either way, Irepress play an alluring brand of intricate post-rock with intermittent Neur-Isis leanings. In fact, one can pinpoint the bands this Bostonian quintet will inevitably be compared to other than those above: Pelican, Tides, Red Sparowes, Explosions in the Sky, etc. And yes, Irepress are also 100% instrumental.
“Pah No,” in true Isis/Tides fashion, paints a picture of the sea by utilizing an oceanic soundclip before breaking into moving post-rock with pristine production values. Similar to installments from Pelican, Russian Circles, et al, Samus Octology is big on a typical dichotomy found within the subgenre, which means the songs alternate between drifting and crashing. Naturally, distortion is used to enhance the heavier parts, and when appropriate. In addition, there are a number of time changes, so the music occasionally seems disjointed, even if the transitions are smooth enough to get by.
Near the beginning – on tracks like “Pah No,” “Samus,” “Pistole,” and more – it’s evident that drummer Shan Dave possesses quick hands and the talent to back them up. Nonetheless, Irepress never come across as too busy, or in need of a toning down from the inside out. Often, Samus Octology is emotionally engaging, but not overwhelmingly so. Bouncy, jumpy oddly-titled numbers “Snayk’s Tale,” “June Ipper,” “Fiddler, Yee Ryding,” “A. Frid Ohm / B. Martin Eek,” and “Nonografistole Adendum (Trampled to Death by Love)” share properties mentioned elsewhere, and round out a collection that is overall quite sturdy, and further strengthened by Forbes Graham’s (Kayo Dot) cameo in the closer.
For those who’ve been immersed in this particular style for a while, though, Irepress certainly don’t upstage the favorites. Samus Octology isn’t unbelievably fresh, either, but it is a very good debut for a band that fits in nicely with TL labelmates Kenoma, Mouth of the Architect, and Rosetta. Worth a shot, for sure.
