Review: Dutch Elm ‘Dutch Elm’
As I delve deeper into the world of instrumental post-rock, I’m discovering more gems to sit alongside the likes of Kusanagi and Civil Service, with Newcastle-based quartet Dutch Elm rightfully claiming their place at the table next to them. Although they formed back in 2016, this eponymously named release is their debut full-length album. The band – consisting of guitarists Matthew McKenna and Lewis Hickey, bassist Callum Bell, and drummer Liam Bird – creates an avalanche of sound that washes all over you.
Amongst the notes of the press release, we are told by the band that the album ‘subtly reflects on themes of environmental decline and political tension,’ and the music begins with the delightful opener Transmitter. The bassline here is strong and powerful, allowing the guitars to tease and play as they weave their interactions with purpose and meaning. The bass drum is imposing when it needs to be, but careful not to overpower the narrative of the song, which has a dramatic flow to it.
The beginning of Sitting There Thinking makes me want to get up and dance as the guitars are layered to create a superbly atmospheric sound that will resonate with many who adore this genre. The music is delicate and fluid, with a range of complex and intricate compositions that complement each other, but they also do subtlety incredibly well, as Cats And That clearly demonstrates. It’s a slow-burning, brooding track that builds upon the momentum of what’s come previously, maintaining a quiet, introspective feel before it completely comes alive near the end.
they lay rhythms on top of rhythms to construct an array of dramatic soundscapes that ooze tension…
You’re Not Invited To That Riff sees the band bring a bit of bassy groove to proceedings, yet their expansive sound soon takes over as the drums propel the song to greater heights. The use of samples across the album is particularly impressive, allowing explosions of pedal-driven guitars to pierce through the air and create more cathartic splendour.
It’s the dynamism of the group that impresses me most, and there’s no let-up during Tell Him Not To Bother. They offer a calming approach, yet I can’t help but be immersed in their world as they lay rhythms on top of rhythms to construct an array of dramatic soundscapes that ooze tension.
The explosive ending raises the bar several notches before it leads into Soledad Brother, a more relaxing yet emotionally charged piece which features vocals for the first time. I’m not sure the vocals add much to the overall album, as the instrumental side of things already has an absorbing, striking energy. Either way, they are definitely a band to take notice of.
Label: Ripcord Records
Band Links: Facebook | Bandcamp | Spotify | Instagram
Scribed by: Matthew Williams
