Phal:Angst – Minor Tremors LP (Noise Appeal Records)

It’s nearly impossible to talk about industrial and post-rock music without mentioning Phal:Angst, an Austrian long-standing quartet that has released so many brilliant recordings in the past. If you pay close attention to their trajectory, sonic output, and discography, it’s a shame to leave them out of the conversation. Throughout the years, they delivered some of the finest recordings both scenes have heard or seen in decades, but of course, with their unique, fresh, innovative twist. And now, they’re back with “Minor Tremors,” another exceptional full-length album where the band showcases a natural progression and innovation. Released via prolific Noise Appeal Records on vinyl and digitally, this material carries five outstanding compositions where Phal:Angst not only plays with industrial and post-rock, but also includes many other different yet complementary styles. Surely, industrial and post-rock are the ones you’ll hear first in this sonic equation, as the band incorporates all the finest properties of these genres in each segment of every song, but do not be surprised if you stumble upon some of the finest properties borrowed from dark ambient, darkwave, electronica, post-punk, avant rock, and all other sorts of avant music. The band handles all these styles flawlessly as they introduce bits and pieces as more than necessary enhancements, accentuations, and decorations, while the sonic trajectory remains intact. With so many styles involved, their sound is also more luxuriant, expansive, ethereal, and otherworldly than before, perfectly showing their progression as a band that never ceases to amaze its fans.

One of the finest qualities Phal:Angst’s music carries on all their recordings is a blend of memorable themes, perfectly paired with dark ambiance and industrial. This band relies upon all those leading themes, melodies, harmonies, and other sonic maneuvers, delivered on jangly, angular, almost clean-sounding guitars. Each composition carries these soundscapes, creating a luxuriant sound that refuses to let go long after the material ends. As the segments evolve, Phal:Angst gradually brings up colossal slabs of harmonious noise through perfectly textured, generously distorted, immensely reverby riffs. Guitars play a significant role here, as they deliver calm, soothing, relaxing, ethereal, otherworldy soundscapes or raw, unfiltered, abrasive, aggressive movements that make these compositions so dynamic and powerful. In the meantime, the synths place significant role here as well. By bringing up even more leads, themes, melodies, sequences, textures, pads, and other orchestration, they not only immensely support the guitar, but play an active role in building such a colossal, uniformed, detailed sound. It’s nearly mind-blowing how all these layers articulate without spoiling each other. Also, it’s good to mention that the synths keep that sweet, harmonious quality once the guitars go into much more aggressive, abrasive, unfiltered waters, acting as a counterbalance that makes this material even more lush and melodic. Of course, this material wouldn’t sound this good without an equally impressive rhythm section. You’ll notice how all those tremendously heavy, groovy, warm-sounding, pulsating low ends roam around, providing all the power these compositions need. These basslines bring all the warmth, clarity, depth, and heaviness, all while acting as a binding element between guitar, synths, and rhythmic patterns. You’ll also notice how perfectly programmed rhythmic sequences, based upon various percussions, cleverly assembled beats, well-accentuated breaks, delicate fills, and other acrobatics dictate groove and pace while keeping everything in line. The band thought about every segment while writing, composing, arranging, and producing this material, making it one of their finest works ever.

These folks deserve your utmost attention if you’re looking for a more cinematic, dark, otherworldly side of industrial and post-rock music. “Minor Tremors” is packed with everything you ever needed from both genres, but you’ll discover even more once you take a deep dive into all those lush soundscapes and rhythmic patterns. Phal:Angst brought another fine piece of sonic artistry that will unquestionably end up as one of your favorite records of the year. Head to Noise Appeal Records for more information about ordering this gem.