Genres: djent (instrumental)
Recommended for fans of: Intervals, Sithu Aye, Uneven Structure
Country: Iceland
Release date: 1 Jan, 2024
I get it: we all like to cut up and have fun sometimes. There is nothing like being silly and goofy with your friends. However, when you try to take a romp with your friends and turn it into a product, it can fall on its face in an instant. Ironically, it takes a lot of effort to craft something that is silly and also enjoyable for those who didn’t make it. I should know: I worked on the yearbook team during my senior year of high school with the precarious theme of “controlled chaos,” which – to no one’s surprise – spiraled completely out of control and ultimately ended with a yearbook that was hated by everyone who wasn’t on the team, despite how much we loved it and had fun making it.
Unfortunately, I think something similar is happening in the context of Aaru’s debut, SWNPL. Establishing themselves as a moody and introspective metalcore/djent outfit on their introductory EPs, Ozymandias and The Human Condition, Aaru whiplashes themselves out of these expectations on SWNPL. Take one look at the album cover and tracklist and you’ll see that Aaru have taken a full swandive (SWNDV?) into instru-djent with an aesthetic that says “we had fun making this, but we didn’t take it super seriously.” Based on the cover, I was hoping for some tongue-in-cheek djent/metalcore in the style of Electric Callboy minus the Electric, but what I got was closer to a demo reel for a Neural DSP archetype.
I could forgive the air of nonchalance created by track titles like “DILLIGAF,” “Voldemortician,” and “Tiddies” if there was a thematic cohesion to this nonchalance or a strong point of view across SWNPL, but unfortunately, I’m not finding those here. The tracks are generally unfocused and lilt from instru-djent moment to instru-djent moment. Sure, you’ll find some nice ideas along the way, but these tracks are missing central ideas that bring it all together, and the song structures feel unintentionally linear as a result. What I enjoy most about rhythmic experimentation in djent is the repetition and iteration of an idea as a track progresses to establish cohesion, and I would have loved to have seen Aaru try that with the more enjoyable moments here.
One thing I will give them credit on is the production and performance. SWNPL sounds well produced and everyone plays perfectly in time: Aaru clearly take great care to establish cohesion among band members, and they produce the album accordingly. Moreover, there are some nice groovy moments on “Polar Bears Are Not Beer,” and the transition into the breakdown on “DILLIGAF” makes for a rewarding end to the track. Moments of greatness do make themselves known, but they are trapped under unfocused songwriting.
I’m a bit baffled by the transition from the serious of The Human Condition to the silly of SWNPL, as Aaru have lost their sense of focus and cohesion in the process. I’m not asking for another grim and serious album, but as it’s presented here there’s not much tying these track ideas, song titles, or album aesthetics together. Clearly they are having fun and there were some cool ideas present, but I would have much rather they develop these ideas into full songs instead of haphazardly throwing them into the kitchen sink with 100 other less fun ideas. If you’re absolutely dying for instru-djent, then you’ll probably find something to like here. Otherwise, SWNPL will probably come across as a low-effort non-sequitur from a band who have previously done a good job at getting their point across. Y’all can do better than this.
Recommended tracks: Uhh, maybe DILLIGAF?
You may also like: Auras, Valis Ablaze, Ever Forthright, Krosis
Final verdict: 3/10
Related links: Bandcamp | Spotify | Official Website | Facebook | Instagram | RYM page
Label: Independent Release
Aaru is:
– Alexander Glói Pétursson (guitars)
– Úlfar Alexander Úlfarsson (guitars)
– Gauti Hreinsson (bass)
– Aron Bragi Baldursson (drums)
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