HYESSA - The End of Bloom

HYESSA

​The End of Bloom
self-released; 2017

​3.7 out of 5

By Jay Freeman

What started as a school project in the basement of the lead singer/bassist for the Montreal, Québec band HYESSA, has blossomed four years later into The End of Bloom, the first release from this promising quartet.

​Recorded, mixed and mastered at a place called Bottle Garden, HYESSA’s first effort draws influences from genres such as shoegaze, post-rock and progressive. Indeed, the EP delves into many styles and according to the band is a compilation that defines their influences. I found overall there to be a mix of darker tones and hauntingly rich melodies. Allow me to indulge.
 
“The Seas” starts off with a rumbling tribal beat, a “rat-a-tat” styled guitar riff and an ominous bass line. The feeling is tense and dark but very energetic at the same time. “Compound” features echoing guitar effects in the beginning and then the drums stumble in accompanied with room-filling vocals.

There’s a fantastic interlude and a break that kicks up the dark energy as the drums drop out for just a bit. The song just kept getting better from that point. Parts of this tune reminded me of Alice in Chains or a mellow Jane’s Addiction, two of the better bands from the late ‘80s post-metal/early grunge years, in my opinion.

I absolutely loved “Vultures” – the opening rock march makes me picture a rumbling army of Orcs from Lord of the Rings or the slow, drudging beat from a classic Black Sabbath song which rips the soul from the body – perhaps not the band’s intention musically but well done lads all the same.

The last number “Mess” is quiet, soft and dreamy. The drums are muffled, the bass warm as the guitar effects begin to fill the ears midway into the song. The backing vocals are beautifully haunting as well. This one is composed more like a progressive rock tune with a talking part reminiscent of very early Genesis (with Peter Gabriel) or the Moody Blues – good stuff!

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