LUMIEL are a new instrumental post-progressive band from Algonquin, Illinois. Their debut EP “Initiates” was released in November. In the artwork we find a torch that in addition to being very beautiful aesthetically refers to what they want to express with their music: they claim to want to let out the shadow of our subconscious and turn on a light that can guide us at home, to heal and be connected. It is certainly a profound and beautiful message, although a challenging one. The EP lasts 22 minutes and let me say it, it is of the highest level.
One of the things I liked most about this EP is the atmosphere. The overall vibe is reminiscent of Tool which goes very well with the cathartic nature of the record; an introspection capable of dealing with the darkness, in all its possible meanings, which is an atavistic fear included in our genetic code. An example of this is the first track, ‘Knowledge & Conversation’, in which the Tool-esque vibes are interspersed with pure post-rock magic when a tremolo riff full of reverberation breaks into the tension created by intense drums. ‘Iovis’, the following track, emphasises the atmosphere, but with a very compact drumming full of juicy fills and a truly remarkable guitar riff. It is one of those riffs that fill the mind, it seems to describe boundless spaces and distances.
The next composition is divided into two parts and it’s definitely my favorite. The first part has a very cinematic atmosphere, and makes me think of the best moments of ‘If These Trees Could Talk’. I can’t help paying attention to how full-bodied the sound is and how much remarkable is the production: especially with regards to the drums. The kick is decisive and impactful, supported by the on point tone of the bass guitar and by energetic riffs in the perfect moments. Just as I find myself immersed in the sound, the song turns towards a more tribal atmosphere, both in terms of percussion and riffs that makes it one hell of a try-not-to-headbang challenge. It is a riot full of energy that leads to the second part, ‘Nightside’, where you really have the feeling of facing the night and the darkness with a bravery feeling, supported by the music. The liberating and technically sound riffs flirting with genre boundaries leaves me in shambles. At the end of the climax the song returns fluidly to the initial post-rock atmosphere, but with all the adrenaline gained along the way still pumping through your body and mind. The conclusion is entrusted to ‘Dämmerung’, a short composition of about two minutes that shines for the solemnity of the piano and for the cinematic sensation of freedom that brings with it. It is almost touching, you can almost feel the light of the torch of the artwork and the defeat of the darkness.
Lumiel has certainly raised the bar quite high and it would be a pleasure to see where they go from here. The production, above all, highlights the mood they wanted to recreate, with a mix that does justice to the dynamic sound and particular emphasis on the compactness of the drums and the tones of the guitars. The only flaw I can find is the duration of the EP; it ends just when the music has captured me most and leaves me high and dry. Well, not bad, I can make up for it by pressing the repeat button for now.
(Autoproduzione, 2019)
1. Knowledge & Conversation
2. Iovis
3. Shadow Positions
4. Nightside (Shadow Positions Pt. 2)
5. Dämmerung