Rating: 10/10
Genre: Post-rock/Alternative
Many a tear was shed in 2007 when scotish post-rock titans Aereogramme announced their departure from the music scene. Crushed by a nine year battle trying to stay afloat in a fickle and ever changing industry had finally got the better of them. Yet a beacon of hope remained as lead singer Craig B announced he would carry the torch on with a new project. February this year saw the fruition of this in the form of the Unwinding Hours glorious self-titled debut. Joining forces once again with Aereogramme guitarist Iain Cook the Unwinding Hours were born.
The music here follows a very natural progression from Aereogramme's final album My Heart Has A Wish That You Would Not Go. Rather than excessive sampling and programming, which was interspersed with frequent shifts in tempo and the occasional scream on earlier Aereogramme material, here we have a more stripped back sedate affair, almost. A few curve balls are still thrown in the listener's way using loud quiet dynamics to stunning effect. This is summed up perfectly on the track "There Are Worse Things Than Being Alone" which starts off delicately before building into a huge crackly wall of noise. One of this records true strengths is not only the strong lyricism but the beautiful delivery of Craig B's vocals. His soft melodic vocals pull you seamlessly in to the emotional centre of each song making the experience powerful, personal and intimate. As with Aereogramme records orchestral backing is used to devastating effect pulling at your heart strings and making each track that little bit more grandiose.
There is also a great range of experimentation on the record from the sonically astounding opener "Knut" to the strange but wonderful "Peaceful Liquid Shell". The true highlight of the album is the closing track "The Final Hour" an emotionally devastating ballad of betrayal that starts as delicately as snow before pummelling your ears with angsty screeches of guitar. Overall this album is quite simply amazing. Filled with a full range of emotion, expertly expressed. Terrific all round.
Download: "Child" "The Final Hour"
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