By: Johell

Posted: Jan 5, 2006

Shora, another band from Geneva, Switzerland. Shora released their first effort of chaotic/noise hardcore "Shaping The Random" in 2000, they have toured Europe with Dillinger Escape Plan, Botch and Converge. Two years later they released a split with Merzbow entitled "Switching Rethorics". They are now back with a new album under their arms and the surprise is huge. Gone is the chaos,the extreme brutality. An artistic suicide has been commited. "Malval" their new release lurks more on the post-rock side along with a delicate ambient and atmospheric parts, electronic sounds and a special 70's atmosphere.

This journey of 33 minutes of their music is beautiful and mysterious. Cold and warm at the same time, dark and full of light as well, and one thing is sure, the four musicians in this band know how to hypnotize you with the four tracks presented here.

"Malval" opens with 'Parhelion'. The beautiful and mesmerizing intro to this 9 minutes track contains something magic and deep. The melody is delicate and soon it increases, more dynamic guitars appears and a smooth well placed drumming grabs you to another phase, an uplifting and comfortable phase, which, after it has taken you to it's upward spiral, implodes and let you drastically fall to the depth of this mysterious instrumental journey.

On 'Arch & Hum' the exploration continues for a seven minutes deeper landscape. Warm keyboard notes wrap the space left, the drumming is present and the guitars as well, then almost silence, only the drumming reminds you that your heart is still beating. Different rhythmic breaks occur here and there until a limpid guitar takes your mind away to a labyrinth of crystal sounds.

'Siphrodias' contains a special tension made by the guitars, and some captivating noises. The drumming gives a lot to this track as well with a special jazzy feel. A ghostly atmosphere lives inside this brilliant moody but powerful track.

The last track, 'Klarheit' is different. It's much more electronical and does also contain an interesting prog vibration. This is the only track that has vocals, this time Shora have chosen to have a female vocal on this interesting track for the last minute on this brilliant "Malval" adventure.

This album is really interesting and shows a new side to this interesting band. If you like Isis, Godspeed You! Black Emperor or Red Sparowes as well as early Pink Floyd works, this album is certainly for you. Be sure to check them out!

Rating: 9/10

Print