Compiling three DIY released EPs, these ten tracks celebrate COMRADES‘ recent signing to Blood and Ink Records, acting as an enticing precursor to an early 2012 debut LP. It is almost incomprehensible to understand how three people can make a sound as vast as that which forms ‘Collection: 2010-2011’ – each track is beautifully constructed to generate a wealth of atmospheres, transporting the listener through dark and destructive to outright euphoria without ever feeling disjointed.
Disregarding the conventional length for a post-rock track (steering clear of anything over five and a half minutes, with the majority of tracks ending at the three/four minute mark) this is instrumental hardcore at its most accessible. The accessibility is not generated through a simplification of sound, but rather through extremely careful consideration. Vocals are used sparingly, taking advantage of male and female vocals to create a number of spine-tingling moments (for example, ‘Lend Me Your Heart’). Where vocals are disregarded, the trio submerge the listener in their abundant musicianship.
The sound on ‘Collection: 2010-2011’ is unconventional, and although displaying the uncluttered beauty associated with THIS WILL DESTROY YOU or MAYBESHEWILL, a number of songs would not be out of place as an interlude on a LA DISPUTE or PIANOS BECOME THE TEETH record. COMRADES claim that their sound is an amalgamation of various influences and a culmination of a wide range of musical tastes between the band members – on ‘Collection: 2010-2011’ this is abundantly clear. The music on offer is imposing yet serene, beautiful yet damaging, but always breath-taking.
BEN TIPPLE