BATTLESTATIONS

It has just begun because this is actually the debut album from this new and promising band from Belgium, whose music will surely give much to talk about in the near future. A self-titled album divided in three compositions (or segments, as they name them) where you will find intelligent creations with beautiful structures and environments; appealing music for those who like the most atmospheric side of progressive rock. The album's length is about 45 minutes, so sit and enjoy this because (quoting them) "what is happening to you is perfectly right".

"Segment 1: No Survivors" is an 18-minute jigsaw divided in ten pieces, each one with an own message to share, and with different nuances, textures and emotions. It starts with a peaceful tune, slow and repetitive acoustic and electric guitars, complemented by a warm and relaxing keyboard sound as backgroung and a voice speaking. Then it suddenly stops and now a new and somber passage begins, with some distant noises that create a quite different atmosphere. After the sixth minute there is a part I like a lot, with nice keyboards and a fresh and charming sound that seems to be like a breeze of tranquility, here the guitars are pretty cool.

Later a new passage begins, with spoken word once again that leads to a kind of tense but romantic scene, with great keyboard background, disarming piano notes and a fantastic spacey and atmospheric sound. Then it suddenly slows down and creates a mysterious moment, which morphs into a soft but electrifying (and repetitive, but addictive) sound which lasts for a couple of minutes until a delicate piano appears, and then it fades out.

"Segment 2: The Taste of the Kill" is the shorter track, divided in two passages. Though the first time I listened to it (being completely honest) there was a moment I felt bored, now after several spins I can only say that what Battlestations offer is haunting music, and that can be proved in this second segment. No matter it slow or repetitive rhythm, what makes it great is the richness of elements and sounds that are being added while the seconds pass, creating wonderful and sad atmospheres, desolated and positive textures in one single track. The second part of this song starts a bit weaker, but then it gradually progresses and makes a solid result.

"Segment 3: Accident of Ideals" is another long composition, and the 18 last minutes of the album. This is also divided in several passages that can be noticed if you listen to it carefully (and much better with headphones, I suggest). What I really like about it is how they manage to create a mixture of emotions and atmospheres, because you can be listening to beautiful or peaceful moments that later turns into sad and desolated ones, without harming the music at all, I mean, those changes are actually for good of the music, because one you are caught, you will not escape until it ends.

There is a kind of GY!BE reminiscence which would give the obvious post rock tag, actually I would say the post-rock feeling is inherent here, however, Battlestations is not a band you could easily tag (but who wants labels nowadays?), what I suggest is to open your mind and let this mystifying, yet beautiful album take you into its realm. You will not regret. Kudos for Battlestations from Belgium, they have offered a creative and quite interesting album that I hope some of you consider to listen and buy it. My final grade will be four strong stars.

Enjoy it!

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