Shifting

Italy’s At the Soundawn formed somewhere around the year 2000 and released one album, Red Square: We Come in Waves on LifeForce Records in 2008, receiving a lot of critical acclaim. Described as anything from post-hardcore to post-metal and experimental, the band appeals to fans of Tool, Isis, Pelican and the like, but on a much smaller scale. Now, Shifting, the band’s follow-up, takes the quintet in a slightly different musical direction. They’ve abandoned some of their previous influences in favor of “sonic synthesis,” a self-described emotional flow of music.

If a one-word description of At the Soundawn’s music was needed, that word would have to be “textured.” Various instruments are utilized to create a sonic wall that reveals itself slowly, not unlike the proverbial peeling of an onion. Quite often the songs on Shifting bring to mind Incubus, since vocalist Mirco Migliori often sounds like Incubus singer Brandon Boyd, while shifting (pun intended) to hardcore screams from time to time to make a point.

With song titles like “Mudra: In Acceptance and Regret,” “Caofedian” and “Prometheus Bring Us the Fire,” you might guess that this band isn’t after the quick radio hit, and you’d be right. You won’t hear At the Soundawn on traditional radio, but you might catch them on a progressive satellite or Internet station if you’re lucky or listen long enough.

Standout tracks include “Caofedian,” “Hades” and “Drifting Lights,” but all the songs are of high quality and each one is different from the rest. If you’re bored with what you hear on the radio day in and day out, give At the Soundawn’s Shifting a listen. It is an album that takes some time to digest fully, but it’s definitely worth the effort. (Chris Hupe)

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