Hermelin
Hermelin’s self-titled, full length debut on 12rec is about two years old now. For some time it had fallen out of rotation on my playlists. But as I was streaming random selections the other day, I Felt Xetrov kicked in and sent me back to this gem of a release. In fact, you won’t find this one on 12rec’s current site – since it was released, the label has moved to a Bandcamp affiliated site. So you’ll have to go to the Internet Archive for this one: http://www.archive.org/details/12rec.049
12rec releases music in a variety of styles, and depending on the style I don’t always share their enthusiasm for particular artists. However, when it comes to post-rock, I think they’re dead on. Both Hermelin and Milhaven, 12rec’s featured post-rock outfits, have a fresh sound and an energy that comes across powerfully in their recordings. The songwriting from both bands is very strong, combining sparse guitar melodies and noise textures with minimalist bass and drum beats. Of the two, however, I strongly prefer Hermelin. Their songs have a bit more structure and movement, and they take a broader approach stylistically. Melodies and themes may evolve slowly, or they may come crashing towards you with spastic distortion. It’s a varied approach that really works for instrumental rock.
Standout tunes on the release are Nova Police, Pliant Fur, and …Sharp Teeth. If you like this one, the band also contributed to half of an earlier 12rec release which they shared with the band Junique Fois Pi.
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