ASCENDERE

Aesthesys is a post-rock group from Moscow started in 2007 as a one-man project, evolving into a full band later. This EP entitled "Ascendere" is an accomplished one indeed

They infuse their sound with ambient and classical touches, citing influences from Floyd and Sigur Ros to Tool and Kayo Dot. The sound is sweeping and sophisticated with a slightly different feel than the emotional ebb and flow I usually associate with more traditional post-rock. These songs seem to be going more for atmosphere and dreaminess than angst or sorrow. It's just beautiful. The keyboards and violin are employed throughout, usually quite calming and subtle in approach, rarely if ever harsh. You get a chance to hear violin and guitar actually conversing on parts, playing off of each other, doubling each other sometimes. Other tracks bring drums to the fore and rock a bit or get a bit funky with electronic beats. But the overwhelming vibe of the release is of a lovely and dreamy voyage on the high seas. This taste of Aesthesys is short but sweet and well worth your time. Even the recording quality and mix, so often shaky in these days of indie releases, is quite professional.

While they have had more personnel changes of late this band has released many EPs and based on this recording, it really seems time that they go for a full length release. I believe they could make something really great.