Friends, it has been a while since I've gotten to premiere something from the Australian post-rock scene, far too long. But what better way to return to this wonderful hub of music with one of my favorite bands operating in the space, Bear the Mammoth? If you are sadly unaware of this excellent group of musicians, I suggest you stop reading this post and go listen to the excellent Years Under Glass from 2018, which we covered when it dropped. Or, you know, don't do that and simply scroll down below for the achingly beautiful new track from the band, "Cridge". This one comes to us off of their upcoming release, Purple Haus, which is set to release on July 28th on, you guessed it, the incandescent Art As Catharsis. Scroll on down below for your first taste and a decidedly colorful video!
Purple Haus actually has a lot more And So I Watch You From Afar influences and while some of them are of the more bouncy nature, "Cridge" draws a comparison to the more contemplative Jettison. I love how measured and well planned this track is, taking its time to let its delicate musical ideas unfold while shoring them up where absolutely needed with more force and breadth of delivery. This means that there's no real "build-up and crescendo" structure, which is great because I've grown a bit weary of it. Instead, the entire track seems to breathe the same ideas, circulating them in many different phases instead of one, long, over-drawn breath.
And the video is very nice to, visualizing the scintillating music and showcasing the band in their natural environment - playing music. In case you had your doubts, Purple Haus itself is just as nice as all of this; like "Cridge", it is sparse with its energies but when those energies are let loose, they are a joy to listen to. All of this, and more, can be pre-ordered right here ahead of its July 28th release. Welcome Bear the Mammoth - I've missed you!