Review Summary: One of the most immersive journeys under 40 minutes…
Six years passed since we last heard new music from Ancestors. They released a string of impressive records between 2008 and 2012, each taking several steps further in their sonic evolution. Biggest highlight,
In Dreams and Time was a truly immersive journey that brought all their influences and experiments together. It wasn’t an easy listen, but complexity and constantly unfolding layers created its exquisite beauty. Fast forward to 2018, after losing two members, the band returned as a trio with an album half the length of its two predecessors. Initially, I thought this would be closer in sound to the scorching
Neptune with Fire, still, the guys took the opposite route. This is the most subdued and reflective LP in their catalog so far, however, the results are just as effective.
Ancestors always captured a wide array of styles in their music, whether we talk about sludgy numbers, progressive epics or classical piano infused odysseys (or all in one song). It was hard to narrow down their sound, much to their benefit. On
Suspended in Reflections (which clocks in at only 36 minutes) there’s less room for expansion, yet you can also see the record as one long track split in 6 segments. There’s more emphasis on moody, keyboards-led moments with atmospheric guitars, even though the latter soar occasionally throughout. The book-ending cuts, both debuted in the past few months are closer to what we’ve heard from the band before: ‘Gone’ is a slow burner boasting sharp guitars and beautiful, clean vocals. The mantric repetition of the main riff would make YOB proud of the hypnotic result. Meanwhile, the laid back coda, focusing on faint leads, various cool drum fills, plus a nice windy synth, makes for a great transition to the eerie, ‘Through a Window’. The backing piano notes and pale bass create a mournful vibe, leading to a climax of layered melodic vocals and dramatic progressions. The guys kept the compositions succinct and it’s considerably easier to follow along for the entire album span.
‘Lying in the Grass’ and ‘Release’ are the most haunting tunes on
Suspended in Reflections. The former takes its cues from quiet Mogwai ditties, feeling like a soundtrack to a night spent outside watching the stars somewhere remote. The heavy riffs with slightly raucous vocals are even more powerful amid the subtle arrangements. The latter acts as an instrumental interlude before the final song on the record, ‘The Warm Glow’. Using somber keyboards and feedback on the first half, we’re soon treated with a lounge-tinged part, where a nice upright bass solo takes place. Towards the end things get darker again, leading us to the closing number, whose build-up is lovely. Soaring riffs are welcomed back for one more round, accompanied by a glorious, fuzz-drenched guitar solo halfway through. The crawling speed of Ancestors’ music has become their trademark, (very) rarely speeding the tempo. The band definitely found a sweet spot and rightfully holds dear to it.
As soon as the chords and drum beat stop, you can’t help but realize how far this short journey took you. There’s something about the atmosphere Ancestors create that’s simply amazing. I recommend you give
Suspended in Reflections at least one listen as a whole, because one song is not enough to plunge in their universe. Alongside
Neptune with Fire, the LP is easily a gateway for new/casual fans and I admire them for creating such a strong, concise record.
