EP REVIEW: Aphotic (MAJORA)

EP: Aphotic ARTIST: Majora The old adage that less is more can often seem outdated, but Newcastle's Majora have proven themselves to be one band that are equal parts eruptive and composed with their sophomore EP 'Aphotic' due out this Friday.

The progressive post-rock quartet released their debut EP 'Iridescent' in 2015, and followed up with a headline tour and took out Triple J Unearthed's inaugural 'This-That' competition in the same year. Fast-forward a year and the group were selected to perform alongside the dizzying likes of Cog, Twelve Foot Ninja, The Contortionist, Protest the Hero and sleepmakeswaves

From the very start, 'Aphotic' proves itself to be a compelling and conceptual outing, clearly designed to be listened to in one sitting as each track weaves itself into the next. 'The Fear of Falling Forever' is a hauntingly blissful track full of lucid bursts and wavering melodies that kicks off proceedings, leading seamlessly into the title track 'Aphotic' - a heavier affair, but still boasting plenty of ambient synths and ebbing riffs. 'Tidal' is a triumphant stand-out with its immersive highs and lows, while the EP closes out with two truly sublime tracks in the form of the transcendental 'Kursk - Descent' and beat-laden 'Kursk - Requiem' before disappearing into calming silence.

The entire EP swirls you into a comforting, wispy abyss, perhaps best personified by the prophetic cover art gracing the release, but also brought to sonic life by spectacular technique and dynamic songwriting from this talented quartet. Guitarists Joshua and Jared are a synced-up sonic machine, while bassist Christopher Hoole drones and crunches through the mix - meanwhile drummer Kirk is the heartbeat that drives this mesmerising journey between thrashing chaos and soothing respite and overall it's impossible not to be carried through to the end on a cloud of undulating crescendos

Working with highly acclaimed engineers Dax Liniere and Forrester Savell on the mixing and production of the EP, Majora have sought to deliver a superior release, and they have more than delivered. This is a spectacular display of heavy elegance - pure charismatic post-rock wrapped up in a shimmering and brooding package, and it's safe to say we'll be seeing a lot more of Majora in the near future.

'Aphotic' is out this Friday 15th September via Bird's Robe Records, for more info head to: facebook.com/MajoraTheBand

BY TIANA SPETER