(((O))) : Sioum – Yet Further

By: Mark Martins

I really like to be caught by surprise and that’s exactly what happened with this record. Even though Sioum have been around for a while (their first album I Am Mortal, But Was Fiend dates back to 2010), I confess I’d never heard about them before. They were described to me as a very promising instrumental band and I was told that I’d enjoy this release more than the latest Russian Circles release. Truth is that, while I cannot compare the two bands, I still loved this release to bits.

Yet Further is packed with a healthy mix of Post Rock/Metal, Math Rock, Prog and some spacey Psych and Electronica. Weird? Possibly. Refreshing? Oh yes. Good? Definitely.

There are only 7 tracks but 74 (!) minutes of relentless drumming, synth galore, chunky and groovy riffs, and overall extremely energetic and invigorating music. Oh and I almost forgot to mention: they don’t have a bass player.

Even though there’s quite a bit of repetive riffing (which is not a bad thing in my book), there’s not a single moment of monotony. These songs have loads of layers and textures, the transitions are brilliantly executed and you’re left wondering what they’re going to hit you with next.

If I had to find a song (or two) to best showcase the album, I’d go with “Welcome to New Beginnings / …And Technological Advancements”. These two tracks can easily work as one as they effortlessly flow into each other. It’s sublime and emotional piano part midway makes for the perfect relief to these almost 17 minutes of relentless riffing and drumming.

Yet Further is an extremely diverse record. It’s not easy to digest and might even be hard to listen to it in one go. However, once it all sinks in, you will keep coming back for more. Without a doubt one of biggest surprises and one the best instrumental albums of 2016.