ALBUM REVIEW: FVNERALS - "Wounds"

By: Charlie Butler

Album Type: Full Length
Date Released: 14/10/2016
Label: Golden Antenna Records |
The Native Sound

“Wounds” is a captivating set of songs that are simultaneously heavy and delicate. FVNERALS unique brand of doom-filtered slowcore creates a powerful feeling that stays with the listener long after the final note has rung out.

“Wounds” CD//DD//LP track listing:

1.Void (02:23)
2.Wounds (06:00)
3.Shiver (05:23)
4.Teeth (05:53)
5.Crown (07:21)
6.Antlers (04:02)
7.Where (08:38)

The Review:

This is the perfect time of year for the music of FVNERALS. The bleak and desolate atmosphere of new LP “Wounds” completely captures the feel of days when you leave and arrive home in cold darkness.

The Glasgow trio’s distinct sound does not fit the standard mould of metal but it hits harder than the heaviest of doom bands. An intoxicating blend of Earth’s dustbowl minimalism, the spiky dissonance of Slint and the hushed intimacy of Grouper, FVNERALS power comes from hypnotic simplicity and restraint. Sparse guitar lines, deep drones and ominous drums make an ideal backdrop for Tiffany’s haunting vocals, a key element to the weighty emotional punch of this album. The climax of the title track is all the more affecting when wordless howls wash over the crushing distortion that breaks the rising tension of the quiet build-up. The mid-section of “Shiver” provides one of the albums hardest hitting moments when the track falls away to just organ and hushed vocals.

Although the moments when the band cut loose on the volume front are few, when it happens they make it count. The snail-paced riff that brings nine minute finale “Where” to a close is a stark contrast to the surrounding taut menace, its impact amplified via glorious repetition.

“Wounds” is a captivating set of songs that are simultaneously heavy and delicate. FVNERALS unique brand of doom-filtered slowcore creates a powerful feeling that stays with the listener long after the final note has rung out. 

“Wounds” is available in the US on vinyl (here) and in Europe on CD//LP (here)

Band info: facebook || bandcamp