We Were Yesterday - old south

We Were Yesterday

Old South
self-released; 2014

3.6 out of 5

By Ted Rogen

Who says you need to have more than one person to make post-rock? Aaron VanDuynhoven aka We Were Yesterday of Ontario, Canada sounds like a full band on his recent release Old South. Old South is a five-song EP with certified instrumental post-rock. While not reinventing the formula he brings you well-polished songs that are refined. Fans of acts like Godspeed You! Black Emperor, Explosions In The Sky and Mogwai will embrace these songs and sounds.

The EP kicks off with a short song entitled “Cynthia,” which is the sound of a lone, clean guitar. VanDuynhoven layers reverb on his guitar as he picks a melody that is subtle, atmospheric and gives off a sense of stillness. The next track “Askin” was the highlight of the EP. Like an alchemist VanDuynhoven blends just enough melancholy with wonder instilling emotions that seems all too familiar when listening to above average post-rock. The song takes its time growing more intense and lures you in with a hypnotic guitar vibe. VanDuynhoven shows some restraint, as he stays free of pouring on a copious amount of distortion. 

“Craig” on the other hand rocks out quite hard. The song is a roller coaster as it goes through dynamic peaks and valleys, loud to soft and places in between. The next track starts off more akin to hard rock then post-rock. VanDuynhoven plows through power chords, rockin’ drums and a steady bass before mellowing out a bit. The song’s best moments are often its most delicate when he is picking his guitar and you can hear the complexities of the bass line. 

VanDuynhoven closes with the longest track entitled “Baseline.” The song has a unique structure in that is starts off soft, builds in intensity and then fades out. At this point I thought VanDuynhoven might have just left us with two minutes of silence but instead he makes his way back in with a lone guitar. 

It’s hard to resist a good dose of post-rock and VanDuynhoven delivers. His songs aren't particularly innovative and might not have you blogging about him being the next big thing but his music is certainly enjoyable. Check it out!

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