Review Summary: Truly
I’ve always had a certain willingness to enjoy instrumental post rock albums. There’s a beauty in being able to tell a story without words, lyrics or sung propaganda. From Germany, Long Distance Calling sing true to that theme, creating a remarkable album without relying on what would be the most prominent element of most bands.
Boundless defines what beauty beyond words can truly mean in modern music. Six records in, it’s easy to hear that Long Distance Calling have trimmed away the frills, returning to a semi-basics soundscape, captivating their listeners’ with “
boundless” levels of musical prowess bridging the gaps between progressive rock, post metal and cinematic atmosphere without becoming overbearing or drawn out.
Fairly enough, the question of how this band could benefit from a vocalist may breach new listeners’ lips, but those familiar with this group will look back to the last two releases, filled with vocal melodies aplenty. Unfortunately, the addition of a vocalist neither added to nor subtracted from the Long Distance Calling formula. Rather,
Boundless is an album that allows the listener to “feel”, rather than being told how to. Despite the freedom involved with not having a vocalist run a particular theme throughout an album, it’s also
Boundless’ biggest flaw. It’s pointless to be arguing about “what could have been” in the same way a blind man is punished for his inability to see.
Contrast between hard rock riffs, minimalist calms, violins as well as many sonic twists and turns that permeate throughout the album’s length. Being forty-nine minutes,
Boundless bleeds creativity from start to finish. Album opener, “Out There” is a punchy classic-rock track, creating a super accessible atmosphere for new and old fans. The track identifies a pure, honest tone to this German act’s music. Steady ebbs and flows build into brilliant crescendo, gently easing before building on a roller coaster ride of enjoyable music showing that whatever the mood
Boundless will interact. On repeated listening experiences it becomes less and less important to pick apart highlights in a singular manner. Instead, the altogether soundness of the record shines through, making certain tracks, “Like A River” (including some beautiful violin work) bring everything together – instead of standing above them.
Overall,
Boundless makes for a welcome, if not completely demanding listening. Like background music you can do without it, but it makes whatever you’re doing all the more enjoyable. Long Distance Calling have shown just how practiced their sound is, and how instrumentally sound they are as a band. Six albums in, who needs a vocalist? The music speaks for itself.
