Have you wondered how these Neurosis/Isis worshipping bands these days are more interested in their softer and more meandering tendencies, and why there aren't bands doing the heavy bits exclusively? Those things are great too, in case you missed the memo. To our relief, Youngstown, Ohio's Rebreather specialises in this unique little sonic spectrum.

I'm not really sure how big of an influence Neurosis is on these guys but at the least, they have the same feel that other bands (like Cable, Unsane, Neurosis, Mastodon, Will Haven etc.,) that transcended from the hardcore/noise related scenes did in the 90s. And it would really be silly to just pigeon-hole them as a post-metal band. Sure they have those droning dissonant melodies with moany vocals that leads to some really heavy sludgy parts, but Rebreather is also very doom friendly so there's this prevalent atmosphere that's quite different from the rest.

The songs are all exceptionally well-crafted and doesn't rely on building up to something like a crescendo (I like that too) but rather boasts some neatly structured and to-the-point songs. The band covers a wide sonic spectrum throughout the album and in most songs. Take for example, the thick screamy first half of Sugarcord, it eventually turns into a calm melodic passage before the band does a change in pace but still does some beautiful heavy. Almost like some Jesu with hardcore druggy vocals.

No False Suns by Lungfish is turned into this plodding doom epic laced with some twisted atmosphere that only these goons can create. The bottom end is heavy with the drummer really filling it in between bars. Steve has been a great addition to the band as proven here and on the rest of this album. The vocals are hypnotic and really complements the already psychedelic leanings of the underlying guitars. This cover alone is worth the price of admission.

Wormcharmer, the album closer sees them take a simple melody, build on it to the heavy second half that keeps getting noisier till it gets over. The songwriting is intricate, yet straightforward. Keep the motif but do shit around it. Swans did that all the time and these guys do it here to close out what has been a really great new album from Rebreather.

Rebreather is a bit of a family run thing. Son makes the music, father grows the Sunflowers, brother photographs them and does all the band related art. This album has been long pending from the band but they've made sure this is their best and most evolved yet. Essential listening for fans of sludge, drone and doom because they do it with their own slant.

Label: Nice Life
Year of Release: 2008



PS: Go to myspace and check out the album opener Sun Cancer. Now!