Laura
Radio Swan Is Down
Alone Again/MGM


Laura is an instrumental, post-rock band, fused with elements of folk and electronica, which boasts a powerful, almost metal-influenced drone to match its wavering guitar melodies. Its second album, 'Radio Swan Is Down', is absolutely excellent. If I were reading this, that's all I'd need to know.

Most guitar-based post-rock (i.e. rock music, often noted for being lyrically-challenged, which takes an almost academic approach to composition) falls somewhere between the pillars of the quiet and subtle flavours of Canada's Godspeed You! Black Emperor and the dynamic extremes of Mogwai. It is also almost impossible to articulately review, save in comparison to these two trendsetters. Laura sounds far more like Mogwai - full of dynamics and often winding its way into buckets of guitar noise - but is entirely its own entity, the fusion of the techniques and personalities of its six members. It charts a sonic landscape between fear, desire and cautious hope. Its melodies are often accompanied by rhythmic harshness.

The record itself is painfully good and never in fear of losing the point. The mix does get a little crowded at times, but in a way that serves only to exacerbate the tension of the composition. It's enormously difficult to articulate an impression of what is essentially only an aural medium. So if I haven't lost you yet, listen to it, then you tell me what you think. I suspect your only adjectives will be accolades - this is one fine post-rock...thing.

Ben Revi