THISQUIETARMY X AWAY

The Singularity, Phase I P572

Canadian boundary-pushers set their dials to stun

Improvisation has always been part of Voivod’s creative process, so it’s no surprise that their drummer, Michel ‘Away’ Langevin, has taken so readily to these extemporised workouts with fellow countryman, Eric Quach, aka Thisquietarmy. Rarely has the drone-sculpting guitarist kept pace with such a singular and determined presence as Voivod’s tub-thumper. Quickly establishing a tribal mode, Away forcefully drives proceedings with ritualistic batteries of tom-bruising pummel, suddenly shifting tempos across Quach’s lancing electronic shards and ominous tonal wash. The overriding throwbacks to 1970s ‘kosmische’ rock occasionally cede to passages of sedentary introspection, where Quach’s delay-drenched strings ripple like the sun-flecked waters of Pink Floyd’s endless rivers, awaiting the inevitable rumble of Away’s latest limber outbreak. ■■■■■■■■■■

FOR FANS OF: Can, Faust, Boredoms

SPENCER GRADY