angel movie

Drachla

angel movie

Pulled pieces

03 April 2024
Web Exclusive

By Dom Gourlay

Five years is a long time in music, which in some cases can only be a good thing. Take experimental noise-rock duo Drahla for example. Having released their debut album, Useless coordinates, back in 2019, with fanfare of critical acclaim, it seemed that the only trajectory was up. Coupled with the band's consistently frenzied live shows, Drahla quickly gained a reputation as one of the most exciting bands on the planet. But then came the silence.

Well, not exactly. A combination of logistical moves dictated by personal and professional circumstances gave Drahla the opportunity to regroup and then re-emerge with arguably their best collection of songs to date. While founding members Luciel Brown (vocals/guitar), Rob Riggs (bass) and Michael Ainsley (drums) remain, the addition of second guitarist Ewan Barr, as well as regular collaborator Chris Duffin on sax, has made their corners on a totally uneventful trip. which does not follow any given pattern.

Indeed, Brown's distinctive vocals make songs like “Under the Glass” and “Lipsync” instantly recognizable as Drahla compositions – which of course is never a bad thing. The added composition of Duffin and Barr's sonic carnage adds to the already powerful mixes angel movie a melting pot of acoustic warfare worthy of the record's primary inspiration, This Heat.

Where its predecessor erupted into waveless fury like an embryonic Sonic Youth, angel film it's the sound of a band coming of age in public. To come to terms with themselves and adapt to their environment, wherever they are. It's also a record steeped in personal trauma, with Brown describing angel film very aptly as 'controlled chaos'.

A former single and three-part song, “Default Parody” pushes its creators to the limit, while the eerie instrumental “A” and the piano-driven “Venus” offer insight into Drahla's ever-changing moods.

For a record that was a long time coming (and many thought it probably wouldn't), angel movie it's a triumphant return and worth every second of the overly long wait. (www.drahla.bandcamp.com)

Author Rating: 8/10