Review Summary: An impressive debut that explores the darker side of atmospheric neofolk.
There seems to be an infinite amount of ways in which folk music can be crafted. From ambitious, classically-inspired neofolk to its varying use in black metal, the possibilities of what can be done with the genre never ceases to be amazing. Making this all the more evident are the abundance of talented, diverse, up-and-coming bands that have been bringing folk music back into the spotlight. Cue Oado, whose debut LP,
Life Era, is one of the most emotionally gripping albums of the year. This is not a band that has set its sights on reinventing folk music or breaking any of the genre’s conventions. Oado are simply a group of extraordinarily talented musicians whose take on the genre is far more unique than one might expect from a criminally-obscure Iranian outfit.
Right from the start of the opening track, as a brooding drone swells over sounds of clanking until eventually being overcome by a forlorn guitar melody, it becomes clear that
Life Era is far from the average placidity that dominates most well-known neofolk. In fact, the album’s tone is actually quite dark and morbid, with tracks often weaving pictures of bleakness and despair. The atmosphere of
Life Era is nothing short of breathtaking, and is crafted with a superb attention to detail. Despite the minimalist instrumentation, the atmospheres are always creative and dynamic. Standout track “Calmness At Stress” truly displays the band’s intricate songwriting at its finest. Consisting of a powerful dichotomy between the uplifting acoustic guitar melodies being played against a backdrop of mournful strings, the song's tone changes constantly. The rest of the album is the same way. While tone changes do occur often over the course of the album, they never seem forced or abrupt. In fact, the dynamic changes in tone are often as simple as a sense of underlying optimism beneath a despondent soundscape or a layer of dark ambience that adds a distinct sense of tragedy to even the most gorgeous melody. Whether it is the sound of children playing amidst heart-wrenching guitar picking during “Calmness At Stress” or the sound of a quiet xylophone melody being drowned out by eerie ambience at the intro of the title track, the band consistently strives to create extremely immersive atmospheres that evoke powerful, exquisitely emotional imagery to the listener. Although Oado’s ambition is rather overreaching for such minimalist music, there is rarely a single moment during
Life Era in which the music does not feel colorful and inspired.
All things considered, it is strange to fathom that
Life Era is merely the debut by a young band that has been receiving little-to-no attention in the world of music so far. Yet, it is so; and judging by their first offering, Oado undoubtedly have a bright future ahead of them. While
Life Era may not be especially groundbreaking, the band has found their own, one-of-a-kind sound that already makes them distinct from their contemporaries. Oado are clearly masters of their craft, and if there’s any fairness left in this world, widespread commercial success should be right around the corner.
