When Ivo made me discover Waking Aida, I was happy to renew with my high-school soundtrack – featuring a good deal of Explosions in the Sky. The band falls into the categories of post-rock and math-rock. Truth be told, I've never quite understood the label 'math-rock'; somehow I always picture nerds starting to play the guitar to get girls. But since Waking Aida formed randomly at university, I can feel the math and probabilities here.
The Southampton quartet released its debut album Eschaton on the 2nd of June. 'Eschaton' means the end of the world in Greek, and this instrumental piece will take you back on an epic journey. It may not be the end of Time, but surely you'll have a good one listening to the whole album. Despite the dramatic name, the songs sound hopeful and light.
The good thing with non-lyrics tracks is that it's fully open to interpretation. Here you will only hear few voice samples to guide you, but then it's up to you. I suggest you to lie down on top of a hill, close your eyes and get carried away on those embracing bass lines, playful guitar riffs and drum kicks.
'Be sure your mind lands on the beauty of this funny place called life.'
- Sarah Kay, sampled in "Incandenza"
Throughout the record, you may compare their sound to Explosions in the Sky, Sigur Rós or even Foals - on the second part of "Incandenza". Yet, the band tries to avoid post-rock clichés, and I think they succeed in that. They manage to build up their own universe consisting of literary influences - references to the novel Infinite Jest by David Foster Wallace, Sci-fi, and friendship.
If I had to pick one song, I'll chose "Incandenza", what would be your favorite?
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