Album Review: The Exigent by Only Echoes Remain

London four-piece Only Echoes Remain release their debut album, The Exigent, on 16^th June. Think big cinematic post-rock that blends the classic ‘wall of guitar’ sound of This Will Destroy You with post-metal elements a la Russian Circles/If These Trees Could Talk, the atmospheric prog-y math of Karnivool with the emotions of Sigur Ros or Yndi Halda.

The Exigent is a concept record with a full narrative running throughout. The band comment; “being a concept album, The Exigent follows a cohesive narrative throughout, telling a story both physical and deeply emotional.” Essentially, it’s telling the story of a lone explorer coming to terms with his mission and his own humanity. That alone should set you up for the grandiose behind Only Echoes Remain.

‘Prelude (We Must Move Forwards)’ and ‘Dawn’ set the scene for The Exigent and while their initial impact may be minimal they grow on you. The latter slowly and surely becomes one of the more commanding track on the album.

It’s on ‘Aurora’ that you begin to get the feel of the album and can get invested in both the concept and music. With the track, Only Echoes Remain have masterfully encapsulated the majesty of space and the emotional impact stark bareness could have on the human mind. The band themselves say, “we tend to look at it more on an emotional level – the complexities of human emotions, how quickly awe and joy can turn into fear or panic, are themes explored throughout the album but are introduced properly in ‘Aurora’.”

‘Reflections’ feels like a masterclass in minimalist post-rock with the sprawling yet subtle landscape embodying what explorative solo travel would be like. ‘Distant Echoes’ stands out as the albums best and most commanding track. Full of atmospherics and emotive dynamics it’s a track that fits the purpose of the album perfect. Conversely it also makes for an excellent stand-alone track, the crescendo towards the end of the track in nigh on perfect and leaves you begging for more.

Both ‘Interlude (No Turning Back)’ and ‘Descent Impact’ take a more less direct approach. That is until the glorious crescendo and euphoric guitar work of the latter kicks in around the 2 minute 30 mark. Blending perfectly with the minimalist moments it provides an immediate and chilling impact. ‘End Transmission’ plays the part of emotive post-rock anthem with aplomb before album closer ‘Of Stone and Stars’ astounds with its grandeur and ambition.

AD Rating 8.5/10