When I started to write this review I wasn't really sure what direction this introduction was going to take. So I decided to let the album play on repeat and just sit back and in my chair and look outside at the rain. I closed my eyes and proceeded to relax, allowing the soft sound of the rain falling to fuse with the lush tones of the album for one extremely comforting experience. Thus, this split has become my official "rainy day album."
For their part of the split, Mouth of the Architect deliver a 17 minute and 14 second opus titled "Sleepwalk Powder." The song begins with two plus minutes of very angelic guitar notes not unlike those heard on the most recent Explosions in the Sky album; this is all very soothing to the ears. Those notes continue until the rest of the band chimes in at once with big sweeping riffs, well-mannered drumming, thundering basslines, and rough throaty yells. The song moves in and out of different sequences where certain instruments become the focus of the song. As "Sleepwalk Powder" was transitioning from one of these sequences to another I was pleased to hear the sound of keyboards - a nice touch. Unfortunately they're only evident for about minute; it would have been nice to hear them incorporated a bit more. Towards the latter part of the song, the music becomes a bit more visceral as riffs as large as tidal waves continue to smash over and over - a style that did them quite well on their debut, Time and Withering.
On the other side, newcomers Kenoma delve into the ambient and drone side of the post-rock/metal world. Comprised of ex-members of Rune and Harlots, this four piece provides two tracks to this split, "The Nature of Empire" and "1913." Their songs tend to lean away, slightly, from the big crushing riffs and use more intricate guitar melodies. Especially awesome is the guitar line that begins after the five minute mark of "1913." No matter what direction they are moving, the music of Kenoma is quite mood-driven. Also of note is the fact that there are no vocals, this is an instrumental act. As a result I'm sure comparisons to Pelican and Mono will likely be made. But who cares? That's some good ass company.
The packaging of this CD is very fitting to the sound. It is filled with images of octopi mixed with spiral graphs - you know those things you played with as a kid to make weird circular designs. It doesn't say anywhere whose work this is, but they should be commended.
For Mouth of the Architect, "Sleepwalk Powder" demonstrates their progression quite well. Not everyone can write a 17 minute plus song that keeps your attention the entire time. And for this being Kenoma's first proper release I was greatly impressed. Despite their metalcore background these guys churned out some impressive instru-metal. I am looking forward to hearing new full-lengths from both of these acts
