A year after their debut album, Richmond, VA post-rock quartet Shy, Low has released a follow-up record of two songs called Binary Opposition. It’s a bit of a shift from the album, with both songs being longer than previous efforts, and slightly crisper, clearer production. What’s not new is their use of contrast, such as that between ‘Heavy Hands’ and ‘Light Feet’ from the album.
There’s also the familiar explosive crescendocore, tremolo, arpeggios, layering and dynamics you expect from this type of instrumental rock. Of course it’s that expectation and familiarity that leaves many thinking one post-rock song and one record sounds just like the other while for others there’s enough difference to keep feeding the addiction. If the sound is not groundbreaking, as is the case here, the worth of the record comes down to how it makes you feel, and by that criteria Shy, Low pick up where they left off with a noticeably more cinematic and emotional feel.
The first track ‘Presence’ begins slowly and deeply with layers of guitar building an ambient drone until they introduce some melody a couple of minutes in. Drums appear a third of the way in and the whole lot reaches a solid climax and drop-off before a second wind takes as to a thunderous last minute.
‘Absence’ is filled with more tension and sadness by comparison, despite its faster pace, and gets very heavy around the midpoint before layers of guitar and percussion pull the pace back for a drawn-out conclusion.
While Binary Opposition doesn’t break new ground it’s difficult to fault the writing and performance. Although long songs there is vast variety with elements that range from droning repetition to a single pair of chiming notes at the four minute mark of ‘Absence’. The texture, depth and emotion make this an enjoyable listen.
