With post-rock sometimes it is just about the pure enjoyment of the feelings that are driven by the music. It is impossible and probably a bit tedious if every artist tried to push through new ground when their skills would allow them to bask in the journey others have already explored and conquered. That is very much where Let It Eat You For Fun sits. This cements the classic sounds and tales without ever being boring, contrived or copy-pasta. Upon The Forest Floor contains seven movements of beautiful post-rock which is hugely enjoyable and satisfying and highly impressive for a solo project.
From the guitar interplay of Explosions In The Sky to the dramatic crescendos of Sky Architects, Let It Eat You For Fun covers the huge highs possible in post-rock with ease. There are also moments of delightful calm and sometimes a mix of everything. ‘A Kiss And A Flight’ is a great opener which has it all, piano, crescendo, guitars, drums, space, silence, expansion, contraction, it really is a beautiful piece of work. The build ups are never overworked and the crescendos never overtly sweetened, this just feels natural and jubilant.
Further beauty is enjoyed through the variety of musical layers. As well as a standard guitar progression there are piano notes throughout which add to the dynamics of this being just another post-rock release and ‘Clipped Wings’ is a great example of this. No two tracks here follow the same path whilst holding ground in the same atmosphere. This is encapsulated in the heavily Mogwai style ‘Delusions of Grandeur’ which contrasts to the lighter touches in ‘Diary’. Even when tracks match the weight of ‘Delusions of Grandeur’ they can attack differently. ‘A Deeper Meaning’ has a good turn of pace after its Oceansize-like opening and gets the chops in for the closing of its crescendo.
Let It Eat You For Fun is not really a name that resonates with the music here but it shouldn’t put anyone off. This is a sensational album with ambition that is skilfully met by strong song writing, excellent playing and a wonderfully rich recording. Every track has moments to enjoy and it really is a go to for the classic post-rock mode. A tremendous achievement.
