Amidst all of the recent debate over the “greatest” albums of 2006, it can be easy to lose sight of the smaller, less popular artists that also made compelling efforts this year. One such release that particularly deserves attention is Dmnstrtn, the first EP released by the post/prog/ambient rock group known as Long Distance Calling. Hailing from Münster, Germany, Long Distance Calling possess a magnitude of dynamic styles that are expressed equally and deliberately over the 31 minutes of this release. Drawing from various musical genres, Long Distance calling combine ambient, post-rock and progressive rock in a skillful fashion that makes Dmnstrtn the album you should be seeking out.
Perhaps the most impressive element of this EP is the sheer amount of ground it covers, both emotionally and stylistically, within such a short amount of time. Sound clips of various dialogues are strategically placed throughout the tracks, adding an ominous tone to the music and evoking memories of Godspeed You! Black Emperor. The album starts off with very minimalist structure—a basic guitar melody lingers through most of the first track, while the drums and other instruments add texture and variation to the atmosphere. In contrast to this initially subtle, eerie tone, the band isn’t afraid to venture into heavier territory either. Massive, wall-of-sound riffs grace the second track, while the third takes on a more prog-rock agenda with some great jazzy beats and groovy guitar lines. By the last track, the album slows down a bit and finishes off by returning to a gloomy, post-rock atmosphere that builds into a crescendo of crushing riffs and finally fades away.
For their first recorded material, Dmnstrtn is a remarkably intriguing album that holds quite a bit of promise for the band’s future. Even a brief listen will reveal that there are a great deal of influences at play in this release—it’s hard not to think of bands like ISIS, Caspian, This Will Destroy You, GY!BE, and even Boris or Porcupine Tree. While the transitions from post-rock to prog-rock style are a bit unconventional, they seem to be carried out in a way that works surprisingly well. With such an arsenal of talent and influence behind them in this first EP, it seems that there are great things on the horizon for Long Distance Calling.
| Reviewer: Sean Butze Added: December 11th 2006 |
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