S U R V I V E | facebook | bandcamp |
Released on September 30, 2016 via Relapse Records
Austin, Texas has always been known as a breeding ground for music and bands who push the edge of genres and normality. From the beginning of “Willie and Waylon”, Roky Erickson, to now a number of bands who “keep Austin weird”.
Years ago I remember seeing S U R V I V E at Austin Psych Fest 2015. They played early and played to a small group of people. I remember thinking this band was awesome, their blend of synth had a great nostalgic sound. I left that show mesmerized, but then I never heard from them again.
Fast forward to this year, a small show on a certain Internet streaming site gains popularity. The theme is a retro 80s horror mystery, so what goes with that musically? Why a dark mystic synth band! Since then S U R V I V E has been blowing up and just last week I saw them again here in Austin and they played to a sold out standing room only crowd.
So riding this hype train of dark mystic nostalgia, S U R V I V E released RR7349. This album is in keeping with the path which S U R V I V E is heading towards. Their last album was more upbeat and had some bright soundscapes. RR7349 seems to more in the opposite direction. Dark, foreboding, and raw. RR7349 is more atmospheric, with expansive soundscapes and haunting melodies. Some of the songs where a little slow, but were interesting to listen to. The progressions building up to a real chilling all-encompassing tune.
I’m glad this group is finally getting the recognition and attention they are getting right now. In the world of strictly analog synth music, it is really hard to get a robust following that S U R V I V E is getting right now. Get this album!
