Review Summary: A little extra time for some heavier doomgaze
Having come off a four-year studio gap with last year’s If You Only Knew EP, Blackwater Holylight makes a proper return with their fourth full-length album. Not Here Not Gone may come off a somewhat wishy-washy title but the doomgaze group’s approach seems to have only gotten heavier in that time. The guitars are more noticeably aggressive this time around and the rhythm section manages the energy. The keyboards and synths also feel more subtle, a move emphasized by the group having since downsized again to a trio configuration (give or take a couple guest players) since this was recorded.
Thankfully the band doesn’t lose too much sight of their psychedelic side as their signature lush haze continues to waft throughout. Even the heaviest riffs can have a gentle build to them and be filtered through atmospheric effects. The vocals are also delivered exclusively in their usual mid-range cleans, providing a reassuring presence. I have to note the irony of this album expanding upon the harsher vocals that colored 2021’s Silence/Motion, but it fits what seems to be a more stripped down approach.
And with the album’s ten tracks totaling to more than any other they’ve done, it’s interesting to see how the songwriting pans out. The opening “How Will You Feel” trudges in without too much fanfare but sets up “Involuntary Haze” well, that song bringing in a smooth chorus alongside its driving plod. The chugs on “Bodies” and “Spades” are downright nasty while the aptly titled “Heavy, Why?” puts in an upbeat pivot halfway through that is paid off with the almost blackened climax of the closing “Poppyfields.” It’s also nice to see some soft glimmers and more gradual builds shine toward the back half with “Void To Be” and “Fade.”
Overall, Not Here Not Gone is strong enough to show that Blackwater Holylight benefitted from a little extra time between full-lengths. They probably could’ve played with the contrasts a bit more, the electronics on “Giraffe” in particular make me wonder how it could’ve gone down as a proper song rather than a halfway interlude. But at the same time, it’s neat to see how these heavier elements are tempered with enough atmosphere to still feel comforting. It’s another quality installment from a consistent band and I can imagine these songs being some of their best suited to play live.
