Review: Scattered Purgatory ‘Post Purgatory’
One of the things that I love the most about music is that it is always evolving, adapting, and reforming, whether it be into something new or even just an update on a tried and tested formula. In all my fifty-one years on this planet, I have witnessed all manner of musical styles and genres, and while some have been fleeting, there are others which have stayed with me and live on, long since my initial introduction.
Having been a child who was raised in a household filled with such extremes in music as generic pop and charts to eclectic prog and classic rock, my education during my formative years consisted of a very varied mix indeed. As a teen, I discovered heavier music, and this is where my musical journey really began.
Since then, I have embraced all manner of styles, but fundamentally, I’m a heavy metal and rock fan at heart. That being said, I’m still open-minded enough to welcome in anything new that I see the merit in, and will broaden my wealth even further, and it’s acts such as today’s subject that are here to make that journey all the more adventurous.
Scattered Purgatory is an act that seemingly defies any specific musical classification. While there are parts which are akin to more structured lineage, the overall expanse gives way to a sense of freeform sonic atmosphere, long past any real definition. At times more abrasive, they use the elements to create a dark and densely thick mood, and as such, it is an easy sway into heavy music, whereas at other times there are elements of jazz, shoegaze and electronica.
With their new album Post Purgatory, the melting pot is full to the brim with concepts and musical paradoxes that turn the everyday into the avant garde, and yet through it all, what pours from the speakers is an enjoyably easy listen. It has an all-encompassing, universal feel, where there are elements for everyone, and even if you are a more refined genre listener, you will still take something engaging from the experience.
The album itself is made up of eight pieces of sonic art, with no two consecutive tracks bearing resemblance to each other. For instance, album opener, Atata Naraka is a fully instrumental piece, which you would be forgiven for falling into the belief that this will be the case for the entire album, as it gives the misconception that a vocal track won’t be evident elsewhere. It has a somewhat apocalyptic feel and is reminiscent of what you might find on a movie score. It’s dark and moody, and it’s the saxophone which carries the piece throughout.
the melting pot is full to the brim with concepts and musical paradoxes…
Track two, Wunai, by contrast, is full of monologued vocals and rolls through like opulent alternative trip rock electronica. It does push me towards a futuristic movie soundtrack, something like Blade Runner, a dystopian, atmospheric dreamscape, darkly wondrous. It is this uniqueness which pushes me to further explore the whole album, and over its course, there is never a time where I want to skip forward and not fully submerge myself in the experience completely.
Tracks like Thundering Dream and Ocean City, Mirage Tower push the dynamics one way, while Moonquake and ‘Above the Clouds’ take things off on a more electronic ambience, where the intensity is lessened, and the intoxicating primal pulse throughout takes centre stage. Moonquake introduces yet more variety in the sound, and the inclusion of those glorious feminine tones too, is really magical.
Thundering Dream especially pushes uniqueness on the listener, and over the course of the piece, changes dynamics several times. It reminds me somewhat of old electronica, but updated and manipulated into a weirdly new and fresh format. Its sonic bliss from the depths of a computer graveyard.
However, the one track I do gravitate towards is Ephemeral Mind. For me, this is where Scattered Purgatory really does excel. A driving bassline and space-age electronic backdrop sets the mood, but it’s when the vocal rolls in that it takes flight. Filled with awkward time signatures, this trippy adventure truly encapsulates the scope of the artist, and along with it, gives an opportunity to discover a whole new plane of existence in your mind’s eye. It’s a beautifully spiritual moment indeed.
Ocean City, Mirage Tower closes the album, and even on this final act, there is something new to behold. It’s that one last opportunity to engage with the listener, and instead of a final hurrah, it’s more of a signing off with a flourish. It seals the package up completely and closes the show eloquently.
It’s a different sort of beast this one, but if you are willing to try something new, which is both engaging and uplifting, then this is the album for you. Take the plunge, you may just love it.
Label: Guruguru Brain
Band Links: Facebook | Bandcamp | Spotify | Instagram
Scribed by: Lee Beamish
