Outer Host started in 2020 during lockdown. The band wanted to experiment and make music with a mixture of organic and synthetic textures. In 2021 the band released an EP entitled The Gray Line and they are now back with a full-length album entitled Source Notes. They mention “The album was inspired by movie soundtracks. Each track is meant to capture a specific mood, moment, or place.”
The album starts with “Note:1” and it is a song that builds with intensity as it progresses. Synth melodies rumble with a kinetic energy that is soon followed by a steady kick drum. The guitar melody is a main focal point here and a little after the halfway mark the song is rocking out. “Note: 2” is a bit of a slow burn. A steady and persistent sub bass line creates the foundation here. Airy and cosmic sounding elements float about making a rather serene bed of noises. It isn’t till the end of the song where distorted guitar builds into a huge crescendo, making for an absolutely epic ending. “Note: 3” reminded me of something you might hear from a composer like Max Richter. The music is very spacious, orchestral and cerebral. It’s very dream-like. “Note: 4” has a sense of meditative stillness to it. Piano notes are spaced out and other orchestral elements come into focus making for a cinematic and thematic type of soundscape especially as it picks up in energy. “Note: 5” has an ominous quality. Something about the pads and other electronic noises made me feel like I was exploring an alien spacecraft. After the alien spaceship I felt like I was transported to a desert wasteland on “Note: 6.” The album continues with more soundscapes and I was impressed by the wide variety of sounds. “Note: 7” was a highlight. I loved the uplifting quality to this song. The post-rock infused “Note: 9” and delicate yet haunting “Note: 11” are great as well. “Note: 12” is the closer and I felt like a proper send off with something distant yet huge sounding. This album is dynamic and vast. I wouldn’t be surprised if I heard some of the songs in a movie at some point because you can practically see the visuals. Recommended.
0 Comments
Your comment will be posted after it is approved.
Leave a Reply. |
Critique/insightWe are dedicated to informing the public about the different types of independent music that is available for your listening pleasure as well as giving the artist a professional critique from a seasoned music geek. We critique a wide variety of niche genres like experimental, IDM, electronic, ambient, shoegaze and much more.
Are you one of our faithful visitors who enjoys our website? Like us on Facebook
Archives
April 2024
|