New release from Post-rock/metal assemble Russian Circles, dubbed Guidance, is unmistakably recognized as a work made by seasoned musicians which crafted their sound through many songs, albums, and years. The album flows through varied scenography, without major differences except the songs atmosphere. But, once you recognize both types of tunes played on this album, more variations will start emerging.
Basically, Guidance is composed out of “light” and “dark” songs, and neither type could be characterized prevailing. From the opener Asa, serving the purpose of being entrée for a tasty meal called Guidance, to the final notes of Vorel, a battle is being fought, a turn-based battle, where melody’s showing two faces; one serene, joyous, lighthearted, and generally uplifting and another gritty, burdened, down tuned and oppressing.
The clash isn’t happening just between songs; Mota is one composition where guys from Russian Circles show all of their songwriting finesse, carefully balancing riffs in order to produce a dualism, both in music and tempo, showing how one composition can evolve through its course, becoming an entirely different beast by the time song’s finished.
Afrika is especially uplifting, and it’s the song where Russian Circles get closest to God Is An Astronaut, another post-rock behemoth. The main difference between two bands is that Russian Circles use solely guitars and drums to educe their musical ideas to life, while GiA add keyboards and samples to the scene, making their vision much more elevating and multifarious. On the other hand, Russian Circles are more aggressive, but can make extravagant post/rock songs where the structure is built seamlessly until all of a sudden you end up sucked into a riff tornado.
One major (subjective) flaw is the production. The album sounds like it has been swiped through fine sludge, giving it a jagged sound. Like you’re listening to the record through some sort of a filter which coats every note with a bassy paint, along with a couple of grains of sand. And although this move can fell like a disservice to the album, there are times where this grainy production actually gives it some gritty appeal.
Guidance is an album full of ups and downs, and while heavier parts can immediately hook you to it, there is a bit too many droning, atmo parts, during which you only can think about the return of the riff tornado. Overall, it is a solid release, palpable for every instrumental post/rock-metal fan.
