Insect Ark: Marrow Hymns

It's not even the end of January 2018 and I've already reviewed some stellar releases--and here's another one. Hypnotic, gloomy, and powerful, this album is easily the best of its kind. The music swims in psychedelic doom and atmospheric noise while also diving deeply into 60s horror soundtracks for extra layers of mood and power. This is music that engages your mind and body while also creating moods that let your thoughts wander freely. I'm not sure how they do it, but they do it beautifully.

Insect Ark has two members, Dana Schechter and Ashley Spungin. Together, they create music that roams the imagination with sounds that are haunting and powerful. Dana Schechter (bass, lap steel guitar) started the band as a solo project back in 2011 but now plays with drummer and electronic artist Ashley Spungin. Spungin's drumming is precise and hard but knows when to hang back when it matters the most. Schechter, who plays the bass and lap steel guitar (there are no conventional electric guitars on this album) is such an interesting player that I could listen for hours. On bass, she's a powerhouse, playing notes with crushing energy. On the lap steel guitar, however, she creates soundscapes that are as beautiful as they are gloomy. Both musicians also work with synthesizers and other electronics to create spectacular noise effects. I've heard plenty of noise artists over the years and these two are among the best. I say that because everything weaves together into a whole that is larger than any individual song.

I already mentioned that there are no conventional electric guitars on the album. You won't miss them. Schechter's playing is so good that you'll wish there was a much larger body of work combining that instrument with this style of music. This is an essential album.

Track Listing:
1. Thelema
2. Arp 9
3. In the Nest
4. Skin Walker
5. Slow Ray
6. Sea Harps
7. Tarnish
8. Windless
9. Daath

Added: January 27th 2018
Reviewer: Carl Sederholm
Score:
Related Link: Band Webpage
Hits: 1990
Language: english

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