Multi-instrumentalist and producer Stephen Murray and his prog-rock moniker Sun Raven impress with a third full-length effort in Anam Cara. The Australian solo project showcases a stirring array of interwoven inspirations that blur boundaries between groove-heavy prog, post-rock, and jazz. Spanning from heavy, sludgy distortion to dreamy reverbs, artfully crafted soundscapes pair with moody tension — inspired by cinematic minds like John Carpenter as well as experimental legends like Mogwai, resulting in a listening experience that resembles a hypnotic journey through an inventive sonic realm.
“Bridge Between Worlds” opens the album with a strong atmospheric pull. Whooshing sound effects and a solemn piano presence combine initially, the latter assuming greater prominence as the backing effects become a more underlying subtlety. The haunting piano progression continues throughout, then moving seamlessly into the guitar-powered title track. There, a variety of acoustic strums and expressive electric twangs coexist into an anthemic second half, where whirring effects lead to a dreamily inviting final minute. Immediately, across its two opening tracks, Anam Cara showcases an ability to traverse both ghostly piano-set spaciousness and rousing prog-rock ardor.
Another track succeeding in the definitive rock realm, “Kaleidoscope” kickstarts with sturdy guitar riffs that evolve into a lusher midpoint, before a triumphant blast of layered guitar energy thereafter. The album consistently delights in its climactic, evolving song structures, and “Kaleidoscope” is an excellent example of such. “Shadow Of Truth” consumes as well, venturing across a variety of soundscapes — from its chilly, subdued beginnings to an eventual synth-rock passion. Album finale “Leaving Orbit” is a fantastic send-off, its gentle, bell-chiming resemblance interacting with delectably unsettling ambience and warm bass buzzes. A dynamic, atmospheric tour-de-force, Anam Cara is a very memorable full-length from Sun Raven.
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“Anam Cara” and other tracks featured this month can be streamed on the updating Obscure Sound’s ‘Emerging Singles’ Spotify playlist.
The post Sun Raven – ‘Anam Cara’ appeared first on Obscure Sound: Indie Music Blog.
