Drain the Sky - Haunted by Rivers
The name Drain the Sky comes from William Faulkner’s The Hamlet, which beautifully describes sunset as the return of light from sky to earth: “Then ebbs afternoon, until at last the morning; noon, and afternoon flow back, drain the sky and creep leaf by voiceless leaf and twig and branch and trunk, descending, gathering frond by frond among the grass, still creeping downward in drowsy insect murmurs.”
The lyrics of Haunted by Rivers (Level Plane, 2008) aren’t quite so poetic, and are afflicted by misspellings and use of the word “inimicality.” Still, they bring evoke water, earth, and light – themes of Neurosis, the band’s biggest influence. Bassist Carl Auge was in His Hero Is Gone, which is being used as a selling point. However, HHIG is only slightly present, in some of the faster parts. Organic and slow is the m.o., and some of the grumbled vocals are very Neurosis-esque. But because they’re a trio, Drain the Sky are lighter on their feet. George Wunderlich fleshes out his guitar with delay and hybrid picking (using both plectrum and fingers). The latter yields simultaneous drones and melodies, and is quite fun to watch live.
Auge did the artwork, which comes in a phenomenal gatefold LP with an included CD. This is the only way to get this release (shades of Torche’s similarly packaged In Return EP last year). Auge is a highly accomplished artist; his portfolio includes the the cover’s original painting, which is evidently up for sale. It’s been a while since I held a gatefold LP, and the feeling is like no other. From Auge’s artwork (two paintings and one drawing) to the lyrics written in pencil, the package feels lovingly hand-made. Opening the gatefold, with the lyrics on one side and a gorgeous painting on the other – you feel like you’re stepping into another world. This release is truly a complete experience, deserving of unhurried attention.
Level Plane’s distro is back! You can find this album there, as well as Very and Relapse. In Europe, order from Bis Auf’s Messer and Reflections. It’s available in blue and black vinyl.
