TotorRo
Home Alone

Release Date: 2014 | Tracklist

"Fun" is the first word that comes to mind when describing French quartet Totorro, bloody good fun. If you are unfamiliar with these guys they present a blend of instrumental post rock and maths rock, having more in common with the latter than the former. The band’s distinctly guitar driven sound is clear throughout the record. It gives the album an enjoyable barebones feel, although consequently lacking the instrumentally varied feel that other bands in the genres champion. However, although more varied passages would have improved the record’s depth and re-playability ‘Home Alone’ is certainty is not ruined by this shortcoming.

Energy dominates the first half of the record. The band never settles too long on one rhythm before smacking you in the face with a new one, each change as uplifting as the last. This never leaves the listener disorientated, the album consistently easy to listen to and surprisingly relaxing in places. This is simultaneously the albums biggest achievement and failure; it never alienates the listener yet never challenges either, making for an accessible but shallow experience. On the one hand all the songs are vibrant and catchy from the first listen, providing a brilliant gateway for anyone new to the genre. On the other hand it may underwhelm genre veterans who expect something more substantial or complex. Thankfully its short run time means it never has a chance to bore; Totorro deliver easily digestible bites of excitement and then swiftly move on before you have the chance to think to hard about them.

Tracks like ‘Eric Colson’ and ‘Motte-Rock’ pleasantly contrast the sporadic first half of the record. They find much in common with Maybeshewill’s style of post rock, the songs gracefully flowing and developing. Although they lack the multifarious layering and epic conclusions typical of post rock they clearly never strove for these goals. What we have instead are well crafted, invigorating and bubbly songs, the enjoyment of which not waning even after several listens despite their basic feel. The only dud track is ‘Tigers & Gorillas’, which, despite its intriguing name, is fairly dull. It lacks the vibrancy of the majority of the album whilst not replacing it with the grace of tracks like ‘Eric Colson’. It attempts to end the album with a typical post rock epic finale but unfortunately shows Totorro out of their depth. However, despite highlighting their limits it shows an area that Totorro will likely improve upon with experience, which I eagerly await.

'Home Alone' has much in common with coffee; it’s energetic, addictive and admittedly not to everyone’s taste. Some will likely find it somewhat weak due to its simplicity. However, whilst lacking the intricacy and splendor of the genres it draws inspiration from, ‘Home Alone’ is undeniably fun. In forgoing these genre staples, Totorro gift us with a refreshing bundle of energy that consistently forced a smile on my face with every listen and change of direction. In short, 'Home Alone' is well worth your time … just don’t expect the new dawn of math rock or post rock.

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3.7 great

Rank: #0 for 2014