West Virginia based art rock quartet, Auric Echoes, release their third studio album ‘Division for Human Ascension‘. The band have brought in new post-punk and DIY influences like The Drones, Black Midi and Squid as well as experimenting with their sound on this album to create a more challenging and rewarding record than ever before.
The opening full-track, ‘Ballad of Malcolm’ is an energetic song that sets the tone with its frenetic rhythms and intricate guitar work. It’s a thrilling introduction that showcases the band’s willingness to push boundaries and explores new territories with their sound. ‘Body Song’ follows with an equally energetic sound, layering intense vocals over complex instrumentation that really demonstrate the meticulous process the band go through to create such a dynamic sound.
‘Division for Human Ascension‘ showcases Auric Echoes full range of song writing and their ability to speed up and slow down the flow of the album with songs like ‘As One Over The Sea’ and ‘All Your Bets In All The Wrong Places’. They show a more introspective and atmospheric side of the band, with the careful attention to detail that builds the texture and soundscapes of the album.
Lyrically, ‘Division for Human Ascension‘ revolves around themes of post-humanism, existential dread and the implications of our growing dependence of technology. Tracks like ‘Multiplicity’ delve deep into these themes and paint a vivid picture of a dystopian future where humanity grapples with its creations. The band’s lyrical content is deep and dark creating a thought provoking undercurrent to the album which compliments the intricate melodies.
Each track brings something unique to the table, whether it’s the experimental sounds of ‘…When He Found Me at the Hotel Bar’ or the haunting melodies of ‘A Long Golden Tether’, Auric Echoes have crafted and album that it constantly changing and weaving its stories. The range of songs on the album ensures an exciting and unpredictable listen from start to finish.
The band’s blend of experimental post-punk influences and their exploration of complex themes has resulted in an album that is as intellectually stimulating as it is musically satisfying.
