Saturday 10 December 2016

Krobak - Nightbound (Album Review)


Release date: November 04th 2016. Label: Self Released. Format: DD – CD/Vinyl released at a later date.

Nightbound – Tracklisting

1.Stringer Bell 13:20
2.No Pressure, Choice is Yours 07:04
3.So Quietly Falls the Night 11:20
4.Marching for the Freedom We Have Lost 10:12

Members:

M - violin
A - bass
I - guitar
N - drums

Review:

Nightbound is my first foray into Krobak's dark and majestic Post-Rock world. I know they have IIgor Sidorenko from Stoned Jesus as a member but Krobak are a different band altogether. Krobak can be described as a Progressive/Post-Rock Band with elements of Dark Experimental and Cinematic Rock being one of the main driving forces for Nightbound.

Nightbound is not the most easiest of albums to listen to but it's a richly rewarding experience with Krobak creating a surreal sound where many different instruments play their part. Opening track – Stringer Bell – is delicately slow played track with the band taking their time in bringing heavier sounds to the mix. Before then Krobak weave different styles of music that can be highly intriguing and equally frustrating at the same time. Though that's one of the main highlights of the album as Krobak make you work for your reward if you're a fan of heavier style music.

Nightbound is Krobak's 3rd album overall and it made me research their previous two albums before writing this review. I must say that Nightbound is perhaps their most accomplished record to date. It sees the band offer a more direct 70s sounding Progressive Rock album.

The other three tracks - No Pressure, Choice is Yours, So Quietly Falls the Night and Marching for the Freedom We Have Lost – all have their own individual strengths and weaknesses. It's too Krobak's credit they offer a sense of vulnerability on all tracks but keep you entertained with stadium sized Progressive Post-Rock riffs.

My favourite track has to be Marching for the Freedom We Have Lost. It may not be the loudest track on the album but it's one that spoke the most volume to me personally. It's a beautifully written and haunting song with shades of ambient style sounds.

One of the highlights of the album has to be M's violin playing. M brings a sense of calm and intelligence with his choice of instrument. I've never been a huge fan of violin playing in Post-Rock/Post-Metal music but M is making me questioning my own personal judgement.

Nightbound is a masterclass release in the realm of surreal, cinematic and progressive post-rock sounds. Excellent and Highly Recommended.

Words by Steve Howe

Thanks to Claire at Purple Sage PR for the promo. Nightbound is available to buy now.

Links:

Facebook | BandCamp