Drowning Steps is a Brazilian duo project, born from an idea of Caio Claro to which Tiago Pierucci was added in 2018, proposing Progressive Rock. On November 5, 2021 the new EP “Dark Nostalgia” was released containing 4 tracks composed during the lockdown, which conclude the previous full-length “The Echo of a Distant Past.” This work explores different sounds than the previous ones, proposing a Post-Rock with Ambient nuances, enhancing Claro‘s compositional technique. The “Childhood Shadows” opener begins with a background of dilated sounding keyboards on which the acoustic guitar and a warm and expressive vocal are inserted. A track with a dark atmosphere, with intertwining melodies that are stratified and then in the central part leave room for only the voice and guitar. In the crescendo finale the percussion comes into play which increase the intensity of the piece which concludes with powerful sounds. “The Fear Comes Up” is the longest track of this EP, exceeding 5 minutes in duration which opens with Meira’s cello and then leaves room for guitar and percussion. The vocal is emotional and interprets the song well, a mixture of Post-Rock and Ambient sounds to which is subsequently added a piano melody a la Beatles. The second part is characterized by a solo of cello that gives a melancholy touch to the piece, which closes in a musical crescendo. Guitar and flute on a cello background characterize the first part of “If You Were Not Here” to which a very intense vocal is added. A dreamy track that develops with the strings in the second part that create a delicate carpet, with piano inserts to close with an instrumental section. Closing the EP “At Least for Today” follows the sounds of the previous track with acoustic guitar, piano and the delicate and expressive voice of Claro. A soft and very deep track that pleasantly and delicately closes this work. A disc different from the previous ones that shows another facet of the band’s sound, with refined compositions that favor more delicate sounds. The compositions are charged with intensity, enhancing Claro’s vocal, with the acoustic guitar and the piano guiding the melodies. A listening that differs a little from the classic Prog, but still very intense and pleasant, an alternative and original experience.
Tracklist
1. Childhood Shadows (03:52)
2. The Fear Comes Up (05:46)
3. If You Were Not Here (03:31)
4. At Least for Today (03:33)
Lineup
Caio Claro / Acoustic Guitar, Arrangements and Vocals
Ricardo Fogo / Bass on “The Fear Comes Up“
Ricardo Meira / Cello on “The Fear Comes Up“
Tiago Pierucci / Keyboards, Lead Arranger and Sound Manipulation
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