When the annals of the last decade or so are written (you know, assuming anyone is left to write these annals), there better be an episode (or two) dedicated to the rise of electronic post-rock. Now that I think about it, isn't much of Heavy Blog exactly this sort of record? I'd love to tell you that it's because we knew that this sub-genre would take off but the reality is that we (and mostly I) just absolutely fucking love this kind of sound. There's nothing more to it: when the synths are loud, the drums punctual, and the atmosphere filled with dreams, I fall in love and let me tall you, there are few groups out there who do it better than Reformat.
Back when we first covered the group in 2018, I didn't know what the future might hold for the group. Don't get me wrong, The Singularity was already a great release but did the project have longevity? Today, I am happy to answer that question with a resounding "Yes!" as we premiere "Tsygan" from the group's upcoming release, Precursed. The album, slated for release on August 18th, is a fantastic next step for the band into a fuller, dirtier, and more aggressive sort of sound. "Tsygan" is actually a great example of this new direction, so head on over for your first listen!
The basic parts of the Reformat formula, which is the electronic post-rock formula, are all here: the synths are indeed loud, the drums punchy, and the atmosphere is dreamy and futuristic. But where tracks on The Singularity were punctuated by moments of more metallic aggression, "Tsygan" and, indeed, the recent of Precursed, are made of these more forward energies, delivering a caustic and engaging sound.
Maybe this has to do with the fact that Russ Russell, who produced acts like Napalm Death and At the Gates joined the Reformat team for this release alongside drummer Jay Russell (Yard Act). Or maybe it's just the direction that beating-heart Luke Pajak has decided to take the cat down. But, in any case, it makes for some damn fine music, building on the already excellent Reformat sound to deliver something fresh and engaging. Offering us perhaps hint at where this new direction is coming from, Pajak says:
"Tsygan is named after a Russian space dog who was later adopted by the scientist who had sent her into orbit. The song is about seeing the end of the world from the outside looking in... so ultimately surviving but having nothing to go back home to. The idea came from experiences I had when I was young, which I got through by sort of mentally existing outside of myself. Even though you survive the moment, these things have a habit of haunting you afterwards. It's also the only song we've written which comes close to featuring a 'normal' lead vocal line."
Precursed, as we mentioned above, will be released on August 18th. You can head on over here to pre-order it.