The third part in a tetralogy of EPs, ‘Nirodha’ compiles four new tracks by psyche-folk-lo-fi outfit About:. Their latest offering expands upon their previous work, and continues the musical story that was established by their first EP release ‘Dukkha’, which was released back in June. ‘Nirodha’ offers a lo-fi musical experience, which is accompanied by a number of various styles which seem to range from electronic and dance to some mild trip-hop elements. The four tracks offer a slow grooving experience that pushes along at an almost sluggish pace, that suits the style of the duo. There’s many elements at work on this EP release, all of which come together to provide a rewarding experience.
‘Nirodha’ is a short but rewarding EP that contains a few very pleasant surprising. The album seeps along at it’s slow pace, commanded by hazy female vocals that are reminiscent of Beth Gibbons of Portishead. Everything feels cool and groovy, with the instrumentals working brilliantly to present the EP itself. It seems About: have put more thought into their instrumentals, and haven’t let themselves be enticed by the traps of electronica music, and instead incorporate other instruments to flesh out the sound, giving it a cool richness like mint ice-cream. The stand-out moments are when brass instruments add another layer to the tracks, adding to the coolness of the various tracks. There’s very few weak moments on the EP itself, making it work brilliantly for About:. There’s few problems on the EP, with About: showcasing many of their strengths in their various working genres. The only negative that could be taken from ‘Nirodha’ is that the four tracks cover somewhat different grounds to each other, and considering that this EP is part of a tetralogy, it might have made sense to group the various styles into each other and present them on the four separate EPs. It’s not enough to ruin the overall impact and quality of ‘Nirodha’, which rings through in brilliant style. It is at least, something that could be considered.
About: have certainly continued their previous body of work in fine style, with ‘Nirodha’ perhaps being the best of the three EPs produced so far. Each of the four tracks all have something to offer, with each and every element coming together in a very comfortable and easy setting. There’s very little on ‘Nirodha’ that doesn’t seem to work. Even the fact that the EP is perhaps too short is solved by the fact that there are three other EPs that it is a part of. It certainly paves the way for the final conclusion of About:’s project, which is certainly being awaited upon with anticipation.
Album Rating:
- ★★★★☆ 4/5
Selected Songs:
- Shame
- One Of Those
- Collateral Damage
- Et Demain
About:’s latest EP ‘Nirodha’ is out now, and can be purchased on digital and physical formats at the band’s bandcamp page, available at: http://aboutband.bandcamp.com/music
The CD Critic 