Detailed Reviews [Transnadeznost' - 2018 - "Monomyth"]

Prolusion. Russian band TRANSNADEZNOST can trace their history back to 2012, and following an initial EP in 2015 and a split EP in 2017, the band released their debut album "Monomyth" in 2018 on the Russian [addicted label].

Analysis. A general description of this band as (mainly) instrumental psychedelic rock is a fair one that says quite a lot about what to expect to find on this album. But as is the case with all general descriptions, a lot of details are lost in the general nature of it. But it is a starting point. What this band appears to have as something of an expertise is to create flowing creations with a strong focus on ebb and flow in mood as well as intensity. Which results in tracks that alternates between delicate and harder hitting passages, between slower and more energetic ones, and between sparse and delicate sections and ones more fleshed out with layers of sound and a more majestic overall presence. Many of these creations resemble rather closely what many space rock bands active today do, in terms of gradually shifting and changing the individual elements in general and the guitars in particular. The manner in which the band goes about this gives them an improvisational attitude as well, emphasized by the guitars trading roles and sounds along the way as well as the inclusion of parts here and there that are searching transitions. Not as frequently as the surefire improvised based space rock bands has a tendency to do, but it is a feature on some occasions. With nervous post-rock style light toned guitar on one end and beefier, gnarly doom-metal tinged riffs on the other, and a band ready and willing to visit just about anything in between as long as it is psychedelic oriented, a fair share of variety is at hand here as well. The drummer and bassist know what their roles are and are good at sticking to them, but they are also given space and room to shine along the way by way of more dominant or more expressive roles handed to them. The use of the trumpet on a select few tracks also adds a lot to the character of the creations where that instrument is used. It is a bit more rewarding to write about the music here than actually listening to it however. Their creations are pleasant and inviting, and featuring enough effects to satisfy the space rock fans rather than just a psychedelic audience as well, but for me at least the band only rarely manages to grab my attention in a more substantial manner. Well made music for sure, and with a couple of extra sparkling lights towards the end, but even the inclusion of folk-music inspired details on select occasions doesn't really manage to engage me on a greater level. A pleasant and varied album it is, but also one I'd suggest will appeal to more of a specific niche audience.

Conclusion. Those who are fond of instrumental, psychedelic rock with distinct space rock orientation appears to me to be the perfect crowd for this band and this album. A taste for compositions with many levels of ebb and flow, as well as an affection for harder hitting, doom-laden section to appear now and then, will most likely be required though. But those who finds this description alluring should find a lot to enjoy on Transnadeznost's debut album "Monomyth".

Progmessor: October 17th 2019
The Rating Room