Categories: REVIEWS

The Sound Of Mountains – Familiar Locations

“Familiar Locations” is the second single by The Sound Of Mountains, a Rancho Cucamonga-based post-rock artist. It comes right after “Stretch Out Your Hand,” a calm, soothing, relaxing instrumental acoustic composition. However, The Sound of Mountains took a different approach with “Familiar Locations” by including more robust rhythmic sequences and heavily distorted sonic maneuvers. Perhaps this number combines all the vital qualities of post-rock sound, but you’ll undoubtedly hear how many other complementary music genres found their way into this sonic equation. The Sound Of Mountains incorporated some of the finest properties borrowed from alternative, art-rock, shoegaze, cinematic ambient, and many more. You’ll notice how all these additional elements serve as more than necessary enhancements, accentuations, decorations, and other details that unquestionably uplift this composition on an entirely new level, while The Sound Of Mountains remains loyal to the primary sonic directions. These experimentations with different styles resulted in a mesmerizing post-rock song that will undoubtedly appeal to even the pickiest fans of the genre and beyond.

Photo courtesy of the band.

“Familiar Locations” is an instrumental piece from scratch to finish, so The Sound Of Mountains paid attention to the song structure. Every segment is thoroughly planned, with orchestrations that go beyond comprehension many times throughout the track. You’ll hear how he fully stacked every section with cleverly arranged, ear-appealing, catchy guitar themes, leads, melodies, harmonies, chord progressions, and riffs. The guitars play a significant role in shaping the ethereal atmosphere, and they unquestionably serve as wisely constructed soundscapes that define all the mentioned segments. Of course, The Sound Of Mountains thought about other instrumentations as well. You’ll notice how equally complex, vividly hearable, warm-sounding basslines offer more than necessary heaviness, depth, and clarity, while the outstanding drumming performance based upon half-time, well-accentuated beats, breaks, fills, and other percussive acrobatics provide groove and pace, but also keeps the remainder of the instrumentations in line.

Still, the main focus is on the guitars. You’ll notice many arpeggiated and regular chord progressions combined with the catchy themes and leads. These dualities shape the direction of the song and serve as a perfect backdrop for the remainder of the instrumentations. This creative artist immediately draws your attention with all the brilliant ideas and exceptional musicianship invested in every section of the song. He has put all the knowledge, skills, and talent into this fine piece of sonic artistry that will appeal to die-hard fans and newbies to the post-rock genre. “Familiar Locations” is one of those songs you should put on your radar because it will become your go-to track whenever you need flawlessly executed post-rock music. The single is available on all streaming platforms.

Djordje Miladinović

Hi, my name is Djordje and music is my passion. You'll probably find me at the gigs, in a local record store, distro or in front of my PC searching for some quality music to listen to. Do not hesitate to contact me. By becoming a Patron, you're keeping Thoughts Words Action alive. https://www.patreon.com/thoughtswordsaction

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