I am an absolute sucker for a band that can provide texture, atmosphere, wondrous musicianship and moments that build and then explode. Liverpool quartet Mairu deliver all of these in outstanding fashion on debut album Sol Cultus. There are moments of cavernous post-metal, heavy post-rock, doom, crescendos, growling and shrieking vocals and echoing instrumentation. The eight tracks here all sound phenomenal and give the impression of the heavier edge of Caspian and will most certainly appeal to fans of the current UK crop of bands such as Codespeaker, Hundred Year Old Man, Torpor, Gozer and Wallowing.
I might have peaked too early by concluding in the introduction but if my review is anything like Sol Cultus then there will be plenty to get into after a rocketing opening. ‘Torch Bearer’ takes a bit to warm up but explodes, falls, builds and then erupts into a tremendous crescendo which is elevated by some stunning echoed screams and reminds me of my favourite era of Show Me A Dinosaur. It is a tremendous start and one that is continually followed up through the remaining tracks. This opener also highlights the quality and clarity of the recording, the drums hit hard but warm and there is a natural reverb to every sound as the music pounds through the speakers and drips off the walls. With the majority of the album being instrumental this clarity really gives body to transport the weighty walls of noise and soundscapes by offering a great dynamic to each instrument.
Even in the heavier and darker corners of the album the sound is impeccable and beautifully captured by Tom Dring. Created before the pandemic ‘Wild Darkened Eyes’ is the heaviest point with a pummelling, atmospheric post-metal before ‘The Scattering Dust’ follows suit in a more expansive depth which touches into the doom feeling of the album. Along with mixing subtle sub genres Mairu also switches up the pace to keep the album varied. ‘Atar’ opens at a definitely slower pace with the slow heavy drums giving the guitar higher platform to bark from. The six full length tracks all offer different shades and journeys but never feel estranged from each other.
With Sol Cultus, Mairu has delivered on its promising debut and created a wondrous journey through doom tinged post-metal. It seems the last few years have seen an influx of real quality releases in the realm of post genres and Sol Cultus is another jewel in the crown for the UK scene. At points it feels laid back but also offers aggression, tension and release whilst sounding huge and clear. Also, another huge release from the flawless Trepanation Recordings.
