Album Type : Full Length
Date Released : 13/5/2013
Label : Neurot Recordings
As The Crow Flies,
album track listing:
1. Stained Glass
2. We All Fall
3. Remember
4. Warning of a Storm
5. Twice Born
6. Midheaven
7. Shadows in Stone
2. We All Fall
3. Remember
4. Warning of a Storm
5. Twice Born
6. Midheaven
7. Shadows in Stone
Bio
For thirteen years now, the Neurot Recordings family
has not only survived, but has thrived, especially in recent years, the label’s
flourishing roster of forward-thinking artists constantly expanding. Amidst
releases from internationally-renowned acts Ufomammut, Isis, Shrinebuilder and
of course Neurosis, the clan has also aided in exposing impressive acts from
the more underground corners of the scene including Across Tundras, US
Christmas, Ides of Gemini, Oxbow, A Storm of Light, Amenra and others. Along
the way the members of Neurosis, founders of Neurot, have also spawned an
incredible lineage of solo recordings, performances, and joint collaborations
amongst themselves and with a close-knit band of other dedicated artists.
Marking the origin of Neurot
Recordings was one seminal release which has remained out-of-print for years,
but As The
Crow Flies -- the debut solo recording from Neurosis’ STEVE VON TILL -- will soar once again
this Spring, as the label prepares a reissue of this seminal outing. This
nearly forty-five minute composition bore a vast contrast to Neurosis’ massive,
plodding riffing and percussion, instead feeling more like a mental excursion
into the outer realms of consciousness; an ambient, eclectic, organic and
overall honest harvest from the mind of its creator.
Bearing updated artwork and
packaging, Neurot will unveil a 2013 reissue of As The Crow Flies on LP, CD and digital delivery in the
UK/Europe on May 13th, precisely thirteen years since its initial release
Review
Steve Von
Till's solo debut from 2000 is re-issued here and is a timely reminder of the
man's talents. There is no need to
discuss Neurosis here, but as a reference point Von Till's solo work echoes the
originality and left field nature of his group's excursions.
“Stained
Glass” opens the
record with moody acoustic, a crooned low toned vocal with violin added for
texture, along with some subtle piano here and there. Lyrically, it is dark and
reflective stuff as you would expect. One of the joys of records like this is
getting into the lyrics a bit more than you often do with full ensemble
records- not so many distractions- so I will let you revel in the word-smithery
on offer here.“We will Fall” references rather apocalyptic scenarios and
the nature of inevitability over a strummed rather than picked acoustic pattern
“Remember” mixes acoustic guitar in the right
channel and one in the centre with an electronic/echo guitar/similar effect in
the left channel. Von Till makes the most of this arrangement with double tracked vocals mixed slightly off
centre in each case- lovely production touches that really add to the
experience when you are submersing yourself in the record. The album's theme is
not so much dark or despairing as reflective and... sombre, perhaps, again
making for a different kind of mood to what many metal-goes-acoustic records
offer.
“Warning
of a Storm” is slow
picked and slow sung with a pattern not dissimilar to folk music (particularly
of Northern Europe/Scandinavia) in the notes. The track builds with piano,
sound effects and cello.The feel is rather wistful and sombre (again) but not
depressing per se. At over eight minutes, the track is lengthy but sustained
well. Perfect for a long walk over the fields or in the woods, if that is your
thing.
“Twice
Born” starts with
what could be classed as a riff, with melodic strings over the top; more folk
touches abound here. Von Till sings very well here with a more energetic vibe
to the vocal as he reaches for a slightly higher register than on other tracks.
“Midheaven” is a lot more ominous than its
title suggests. The acoustic here is used as almost a drone or funereal march
type sound with regular down picking of
a single chord propelling the track forwards. More angst like than
previous songs and even comparable to some of the main man's main band's work
in some ways.
“Shadows
In Stone” clocks in
at nearly ten and half minutes and demonstrates a more epic side to the album. Drums are used here (think
in a Tom Waits style) with well placed female vocals appearing too. Strings add
texture as Von Till utilises his melodic croon to good effect. The whole track
is very well put together and has a rather psychedelic and brooding feel.
As The
Crow Flies is, as its
title suggests, direct and straightforward in many ways- stripped down
instrumentation and vocals being obvious examples. The record is also layered
and textured in other ways , though. The themes are not immediately apparent,
the atmospheres somewhat haunting, dark, wistful and sombre- sometimes all in
the same song! If you had forgotten about this album, dig it out and play it
again. If you fancy getting an acoustic album that is unusual, thoughtful and
not in any way twee... this is the one. A fantastic record from a real
musician.
Words by : Richard Maw
As ever, show your support to the band by checking them out at the various links and buying their merch. This record is available everywhere now. Thanks as always to Lauren @ Rarely Unable for the hook up.
