Growing The Skys Run Into The Sea
Kranky karank060 August 25th 2003
By Russell Garwood
US trio Growing are an apt addition to Krankys roster; their noise-based sound with gradually building then breaking crescendos is similar to numerous label-mates. That said, the similarities just about end at structure the distinctive sound displayed on The Skys Run Into The Sea, is built in its entirety from guitar, bass, sparse drums and electronics, tending to stay on the minimalistic side of noise. Strong drone elements dominate, while occasional more melodic moments are a welcome addition, and rhythmic passages help create contrast in the otherwise loosely-structured and flat musical landscapes. Sporadic distorted guitars show metallic leanings at times, while at others use long, effect-laden tones to add to the drone feel. The most minimalistic sections are even slower than the Khanate school of extreme-doom, with speeds as low as 10BPM and long seconds of silence between each beat. Plus, in a bizarre amalgamation, one of the main melodies of Tepsije (All Music Is Folk Music) is so similar (albeit a lot slower) to the opening of the Beatles Norwegian Wood that it must have been directly transcribed.
This all helps make The Skys Run Into The Sea very much an acquired taste. Similar in many ways to noise and doom, fans of the more extreme and cut down genres of metal may well appreciate what Growing have to offer, despite their more regular use of melody, and fans of minimalistic electronics may also enjoy this release. These six lengthy, caustic songs show promise, and I look forward to seeing how Growing develop with time.
Kranky karank060 August 25th 2003
By Russell Garwood
US trio Growing are an apt addition to Krankys roster; their noise-based sound with gradually building then breaking crescendos is similar to numerous label-mates. That said, the similarities just about end at structure the distinctive sound displayed on The Skys Run Into The Sea, is built in its entirety from guitar, bass, sparse drums and electronics, tending to stay on the minimalistic side of noise. Strong drone elements dominate, while occasional more melodic moments are a welcome addition, and rhythmic passages help create contrast in the otherwise loosely-structured and flat musical landscapes. Sporadic distorted guitars show metallic leanings at times, while at others use long, effect-laden tones to add to the drone feel. The most minimalistic sections are even slower than the Khanate school of extreme-doom, with speeds as low as 10BPM and long seconds of silence between each beat. Plus, in a bizarre amalgamation, one of the main melodies of Tepsije (All Music Is Folk Music) is so similar (albeit a lot slower) to the opening of the Beatles Norwegian Wood that it must have been directly transcribed.
This all helps make The Skys Run Into The Sea very much an acquired taste. Similar in many ways to noise and doom, fans of the more extreme and cut down genres of metal may well appreciate what Growing have to offer, despite their more regular use of melody, and fans of minimalistic electronics may also enjoy this release. These six lengthy, caustic songs show promise, and I look forward to seeing how Growing develop with time.
