“Details, Drawings, Distance And Departure” released in 2022 by All Structures Align, is an evocative journey through ambient and post-rock soundscapes. This double album features a comprehensive collection of tracks that intricately weave together to form a cohesive and immersive listening experience. With many standout compositions included along the way, “Details, Drawings, Distance And Departure” showcases the band’s talent in crafting detailed and emotionally resonant music.
The album opens with “Structures Of Wood,” a track that immediately immerses the listener in a world of organic textures and subtle melodies. The song begins with gentle guitar arpeggios, reminiscent of the intricate patterns found in woodgrain. These are gradually layered with steady, grounding basslines. The track evolves with the introduction of a soft yet persistent drumbeat, creating a sense of movement and progress. “Structures Of Wood” serves as a perfect introduction, setting the stage for the auditory journey that follows. “Cylinders” takes a more rhythmic approach, characterized by its pulsating rhythmic structures and hypnotic bass patterns. The song’s structure mirrors the mechanical precision of its title, with each instrument slotting perfectly into place like gears in a machine. The interplay between the guitars is particularly striking, creating a layered, textured, mesmerizing, and dynamic soundscape. The track’s repetitive motifs build in intensity, drawing the listener deeper into its intricate design. “Springtime 87” shifts the album’s tone to one of nostalgia and warmth. The track features lush, reverb-drenched guitars and dreamy melodies. The comprehensive collection of themes, melodies, harmonies, and other sonic maneuvers complement the calm, soothing, ethereal vocal performance. This track stands out for its ability to transport the listener to a specific time and place, capturing the essence of an ephemeral moment.
“Cable Street” goes even deeper into All Structure Alligns’ signature moves. The song builds on a foundation of moderate, syncopated drum patterns and chunky, raw, semi-distorted basslines. The guitars weave together in a complex dance, creating a cathartic ambiance. This track exemplifies the band’s talent for creating emotionally charged music that keeps the listener engaged and on edge. The climax of “Cable Street” is particularly powerful, with the instruments converging in a crescendo of sound that leaves an everlasting impression. With “Exactly According To Plan,” the album takes a more introspective turn. This track features more minimalist guitar interplays, complementing the heavy, robust, well-accentuated rhythmic patterns. The use of space and silence is masterful, allowing each note to resonate and breathe. The song’s title suggests a sense of careful planning and precision, which is mirrored in its carefully crafted arrangement. This track exemplifies their ability to convey deep emotions with simplicity and restraint. However, All Structures Allign introduces more complex instrumentations and vocal harmonies as the song evolves, making it one of the best post-rock tracks you’ll hear in a while. This B-side closes with “Gratitude,” a track that encapsulates a sense of closure and resolution. The song begins with a gentle, flowing melody played on a guitar, accompanied by warm, ambient pads. As the track progresses, it gradually builds in intensity, incorporating lush orchestral elements and soaring guitar lines. The emotional weight of “Gratitude” is palpable, leaving the listener with a sense of fulfillment and peace. It is a fitting conclusion to the first vinyl that takes the listener on such a rich and varied journey.
“Distance And Departure” vinyl opens with “Crown Rockets,” an exceptional track that infuses the album with a burst of vitality. The interplay between the punchy drum patterns and the driving bassline creates a propulsive rhythm that carries the track forward. The guitar work is sharp and precise, with riffs and melodies that cut through the mix and add a layer of intensity. This track stands out for its vibrant energy and its ability to inject a sense of urgency into the album. “Every Eye A River” is a hauntingly beautiful piece that blends post-punk, post-hardcore, and math rock elements. The track has a flowing, almost liquid quality to it, with melodies that ripple and cascade over each other. The addition of heavy percussion and soft vocal harmonies adds depth and texture, making this track a standout for its emotional resonance and ethereal atmosphere. “The Last Five” is characterized by its intricate instrumental interplay and complex rhythmic structure. The track features multiple time signature changes and layered instrumentation, creating a sense of unpredictability and excitement. The guitars intertwine a mesmerizing sonic landscape, while the drums provide a steady, anchoring presence. This track showcases the band’s technical prowess and ability to create challenging and accessible music.
“Dream Of Rigs” is a contemplative and introspective track that features minimalist instrumentation and a slow, deliberate pace. The track’s sparse arrangement allows each element to stand out, with the gentle melodies and more noise rock-inspired instrumentations that perfectly pair together. The song gradually becomes heavier and heavier, to the point that the entire band delivers a colossal slab of well-articulated, flawlessly arranged noise. “Broken” is another post-hardcore and noise rock-inspired track. With its heavy riffs and powerful beats, it showcases the aggressive side of this exceptional band. However, All Structure Align calms things down with marvelous melodies and chord progressions, while the rhythm section keeps a subtle tension. The vocals seamlessly balance between low, mid, and high notes, emphasizing all the segments and instrumentations. They continuously balance these aggressive and soothing moments, showcasing their sonic diversity. “We Gather” serves as a poignant and reflective closer to the album. The track features a gentle guitar interplay accompanied by the equally intricate, equally present rhythm section. The usage of harmonized vocals adds a layer of complexity, creating a sense of community and connection. This track leaves the listener with a feeling of closure and contentment, bringing the album to a satisfying and emotional conclusion.
“Details, Drawings, Distance And Departure” by All Structures Align is an album that rewards careful and attentive listening. Each track is a carefully constructed piece of art, contributing to the overall sonic landscape. The band’s ability to blend ambient textures with post-rock dynamics creates an otherwordly listening experience worth repeating over and over again while the thematic cohesion, combined with the emotional depth of each track, makes “Details, Drawings, Distance And Departure” a standout release in the genre. Once again, Dipterid Records did an incredible job on packaging and pressing quality. As soon as you press play, you’ll notice everything these folks intended to achieve with their release, while the high-quality gatefold sleeve and full-color vinyl jackets, designed by David Hand, make “Details, Drawings, Distance And Departure” visually appealing. It’s one of those records you need in your collection. Head to Dipterid Records for more information about ordering.
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