To play in an instrumental, guitar driven post-rock band in 2024 shows a clear sign of people who are passionate and fulfilled creating the music they love. It would take something exceptional to break into the realms of bands in the echelons of the genre such as Explosions In The Sky or Mogwai, it’s even quite the struggle to avoid drowning in the myriad of artists and styles which have come before. On debut album, In Waves, that love transcends from the speakers in waves of glorious atmosphere which has been captured perfectly with a tremendous recording. Fall of Leviathan manages to avoid falling into generic cliques and In Waves is a beautiful listening experience.
The majority of the tracks start off on a slower footing and opener ‘Nantucket’, and the title track which follows, do take their time to allow the music to calmly wash through the speakers before different releases are climaxed. ‘Spermwhale’ also fits into this laid back approach which creates a very soothing atmosphere. The band never tries too hard to crescendo but it also never sits and drifts through songs with no purpose, there is a wonderful natural feeling to the progressions and structures.
A heavier side does seem to glint out in ‘Pacific’ and ‘Ahkab’ as a fuzzy washed distortion welcomes in both tracks but the majority of the record creates moods from slumberous guitar work with rich bass tones detailing the landscape. It is music that grows the more attention it is given. While it has no problems sitting in the background the rich and warming post-rock is elevated with attention. It can give instant gratification but also rewards for devotion. ‘Pacific’ is a great example as after that heavy start there is a bulging tension building with a false end before a terrific climax.
Fall of Leviathan haven’t reinvented the genre, they never set out to anyway, what is has done is taken a nautical theme and delivered some wonderful and enjoyable post-rock. The six tracks here are full of textures and moods which can float behind or all around. It really depends what you give it as to what you get out of it.
