Australasia- Sin4tr4

Golden Morning Sounds
2012

When I started writing for Heavy Metal time Machine there was no way for me to foresee the unusually  large assortment of instrumental demos and albums I'd be asked to review. For someone like me (who didn't really appreciate instrumental rock or metal for a huge chunk of my life) it's been this enlightening moment where I've come to not only appreciate rock and metal sans vocals, but actually embrace numerous acts within the field. Australasia are one such act in that I truly appreciate what they are going for on "Sin4tr4" (the bands debut-album) and the way in which it unfolds (even if this 7-track EP is not perfect per say). This Italian group features two musicians (Gian handles guitars, bass and synths while Rico handles the drums) and musically it's a tale of two cities. Half of this is heavy (incorporating a hodge podge of extreme styles from post-metal to black metal) while the other half is heavenly (blissful alternative rock/shoegaze). You see this is in the album's opening numbers as "Antenna" is this melodic and beautiful power rock/alt rock track while "Spine" is just HEAVY post-metal with an emphasis on heavy. On some tracks (such as the unholy/death-tinged "Retina") the band digs deep within to create a true sense of unease. This gothic number stands in stark contrast to songs like "Apnea", "Satellite" and "Fragile" which are all so innocent and happy. As such there is enough here to entertain whatever mood you might find yourself in. Of the 7 cuts my favorites would have to be the post-metal, twisted stomp of "Spine" and (even if it does stand out a bit from the EP's other tracks) the dreamy, pop-like "Apnea". These two numbers are at opposite ends of the spectrum, but each resonated with me. As the EP flows back and forth, the heavy to the heartfelt, you'll discover that Australasia are equally adapt at utilizing modern electronics as well as vintage synths (and even organs!). Also, in what most certainly was a case of  choosing atmosphere over something overly glossy, shinny and glossy, the band's debut-EP has this almost subtle production job. It isn't raw of rough by any means. No, its more like the band kept things simple as far as the production went so that the music never gets all fanciful. Since I previously mentioned how this wasn't a perfect recording it should be noted that it takes a few listens to get to a point where you appreciate all the subtle differences between a few songs. On my first run-through I noticed that some of the tracks blurred together, but repeated listens cleared this up. As technically savvy as the pair are there is still this simple elegance to "Sin4tr4" to be appreciated and, with time, there's no telling what wondrous creations this post-rock/post-metal duo could give us. Find out more below.


Website: http://www.australasiamusic.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/australasiamusic
Bandcamp: http://australasia.bandcamp.com
SoundCloud: http://soundcloud.com/australasia
Last FM: http://www.lastfm.it/music/Australasia?ac=australasia
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/Australasi4
Itunes: https://itunes.apple.com/album/sin4tr4/id542593421


Videos:

“Spine”: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=seZgDPCBdLU