Satori Ray – Выдох...

February 2009 • self-released

I feel like I shouldn't be encouraging bands to make more music in an already stagnant and oversaturated genre like post-rock, but I'm going to do it. Satori Ray, please make more music. Your only EP Выдох... is great and I'm disappointed to have a meager four songs from you.

No, this release isn't anything groundbreaking or totally mindblowing, but for a post-rock power trio, the band manages to pull off a surprisingly high-quality release with a diverse array of sounds. It's reminiscent not only of typical bands like Mogwai and Godspeed You! Black Emperor (uh oh, reviewer bias!) but also '80s alternative rock bands, modern indie rock, even a touch of heavier rock in the closing track. Of course, the gratuitous (yet tasteful) use of sampling throughout really helps to add an extra edge to the music, even if it is a bit overdone (no one likes hearing crying babies, especially for six minutes). The half-ska, half-emo horn section in the third track is an especially nice touch that instantly makes the band stick out. The music itself is quite simple, but in a good way; it has an endearing quality to it (almost childlike on the aptly-named third track) that is really great.

Admittedly, it does have some pacing issues, in that one or two tracks are too short and another one or two overstay their welcome a bit. The first and third tracks especially, as the clear standouts, I wish didn't end so soon, while the second track is a bit too dull to fill nearly seven minutes well and the fourth repeats on and on a bit too long (although it is still a pretty good song). On the other hand, it is just an EP so pacing issues aren't a big deal, but it makes repeat listens a challenge without skipping around.

Still, though, this is a brilliant little EP that is surprisingly well-done and is definitely recommended. Hopefully this band gets around to putting something else out at some point, although I'm afraid they are one of those one-release-then-vanishing bands that like to infuriate me. In the meantime, at least we still have Выдох... to listen to.

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