This is the fourth album from US post-rock band Shy, Low.
Existing somewhere between post-rock and post-metal, Shy, Low’s music is a thoroughly immersive affair. Purity Spiral spends 47 minutes engaged in comprehensive instrumental worldbuilding, to remarkable effect.
Purity Spiral is emotive and richly atmospheric. Shy, Low clearly understand how to use build and release mechanics effectively. The band deploy an array of tools to construct mood-focused structures that are fleshed out with real heart. They create tension with skilled ease, allowing it to be stretched taut until you think it will break. The music also uses space and texture well, making for multihued songs that feel like tangible, three-dimensional works. Alongside this, Shy, Low also unleash heavy riffs that crush with impunity.
This is a band that cover a fair amount of post-rock and post-metal terrain, demonstrating a mastery of their art. Throw in songwriting that benefits from dynamics, pacing, diversity, and good ideas, and you have a compelling collection of very enjoyable songs.
Purity Spiral strikes a balance between instant appeal impact and slow-burning atmospheres, between delicate melodic resplendence and a darker heart of iron. A record of gritty heaviness and cinematic soundscapes entwined, Purity Spiral offers up a superlative experience. Purity Spiral sees Shy, Low up there capability-wise with the likes of Lost in Kyiv and Russian Circles.
Very highly recommended.
