Australasia-Vertebra

Immortal Frost Productions
2013

Back in June of 2012 I found myself wrapped up in the sounds of Australasia's debut-recording, "Sin4tr4", which saw the fields of post-rock and post-metal expanded upon and shifted into a new beast. It was the album's change of pace atmosphere and it's willingness to embrace new elements that made "Sin4tr4" stand out. Chances are most people won't remember that review though or, if your new here, even know the name so I've posted the link below to that review. It's been a little over a year since that time and now Australasia's sophomore record, which was recorded at Last Floor Studio (San Michele Salentino) and mixed and mastered at 16th Cellar Studio (Rome) by Stefano "Saul" Morabitor, manages to effortlessly pick right up where that album left off while it also showcases the necessary growth and creative expansion needed to keep this Italian group ahead of the pack . While the new album does feature guests like Mina Carlucci and Giuseppe Argentiero of Vostok, it's multi-instrumentalist Gian Spalluto that remains the main driving force here and it's his dreams and inspirations that helped set the blue-print for album number two. The group's main influences are said to be Red Sparowes, At the Gates, Joy Division, This Will Destroy You, Angelo Badalamenti, Mogwai, Pelican, Hammock, Ennio Morricone, Rothko, Cult of Luna, Alcest and Lymbyc Systym, but all you really need to know about "Vertebra" is that it has it's own free spirit and that it lovingly encompasses the listener with radiant energy. Australasia's debut-album, "Sin4tr4", followed a similar theme, but here on "Vertebra" it's this almost dream-like atmosphere, and the way it which the group sinfully entices one with the use of synths, that stirs the emotions in a much more meaningfully way. As a group, Australasia has taken the next step in it's evolutionary development and with this album's intricate collage of post-rock, atmospheric rock, mellow metal, vintage electronics and intimate, classic guitar riffs this one is simply not to be missed!  
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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