German trio Schubmodul returns with a second album, instrumental, between Post-Rock and Stoner with forays into Prog. Entitled “Lost In Kelp Forest,” it was released on February 23, 2024 via Tonzonen Records and contains six long length tracks. An intro with dilated sounds and dark atmospheres characterises “Voyage,” centred on a penetrating guitar sound. With the entry of the instruments, the track opens up and increases in intensity as the minutes go by. Fine guitar riffs take the sound into heavier territory. The mixture of Stoner, Metal and Melodic components is well accomplished and the track is also enriched by the continuous tempo changes that give it a more progressive feel. The longest track in duration, “Emerald Maze,” which exceeds nine minutes, opens with percussive drumming and a dark atmospheric background. A deep bass line intertwines with distorted guitar riffs in a musical crescendo that incorporates elements of the various genres that make up the band’s style. Tempo changes are a characteristic feature of their compositions, allowing them to develop themes by exploring the different facets of their sound. Melancholic guitar arpeggios open “Renegade One,” a continuous musical crescendo that envelops the listener with a succession of tempo changes and fine guitar work. In the second half, the song evolves with a sond between Space Rock and modern Rock and a fine guitar solo. The guitar melodies then accompany us to the finale. “Silent Echoes” is another long track, running over eight minutes, more heavy and dark than its predecessor in the first part. Energetic and engaging, it shows a fine interweaving of Heavy and Post-Rock with forays into Prog. A journey through tempo changes and riffs that mix the different genres that make up the band’s style. The guitar remains the protagonist in the melodies with solo interventions, while dark atmospheres permeate the track. A sampled vocal that gives a spacey feel to the sound opens “Ascension,” the shortest track on the album at over four minutes. A good guitar riff and a more engaging rhythm section characterise the structure, enriched by tempo changes and more atmospheric openings. With a Space Rock imprinting with a Stoner touch and fine melodies, it maintains a darker tone in some passages with deep, atmospheric guitar work. The album ends with “Revelations” featuring an extended introductory section with sampled vocals with references to scientific projects. The intensity increases as the minutes pass and the central theme of the track evolves, layering the guitar sounds. After an interesting passage with rhythmic rumming, the second part incorporates more Heavy and Spazce Rock elements. In a continuous musical crescendo, the track flows nicely until the finale with the guitar taking centre stage. An interesting instrumental album with the guitar playing the lead role in engaging riffs and textures and more dilted and enveloping passages, managing to mix different genres thanks to their personal style. The guitar parts are elaborate, as is the structure of the tracec that enhances the rhythm section, which arises with continuous tempo changes. A good listen for lovers of instrumental sounds between Heavy Rock, Stoner and Space Rock and forays into Prog.
Tracklist
01. Voyage (06:49)
02. Emerald Maze (09:56)
03. Renegade One (05:21)
04. Silent Echoes (08:30)
05. Ascension (04:35)
06. Revelations (07:35)
Lineup
Fabian Franke / Guitar
Christoph Kellner / Drums
Nils Stecker / Bass
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