You’d probably expect the combination of grindcore and shoegaze to be a chaotic mess, an unholy union of contrasting sounds doomed to fail. But in reality, it turns out to be an absolutely brilliant match—one that defies expectations in the best possible way. Two extreme and seemingly opposing genres come together in a way that not only works but thrives, pushing boundaries and creating something entirely unique. This album blends the aggressive, abrasive energy of grindcore with the ethereal, dreamy atmospheres of shoegaze, crafting an experience that is both intense and soothing, loud and introspective.
From the start, the raw power of grinding blast beats, hellish vocals, and grimy, distorted guitars comes crashing through your speakers, threatening to tear everything apart. But just when you think it’s all about to implode, the album shifts into something unexpectedly beautiful—soft, angelic vocals wash over you, gentle and calming. The bass grooves deeply, creating a sense of warmth and depth, while ambient soundscapes swirl in the background, lulling you into a dreamlike state. On paper, this fusion of styles sounds like it could never work, but somehow, these musicians have managed to pull it off in a way that feels both seamless and incredibly satisfying.
The concept of the album is executed perfectly, with each track taking you on a journey deep into the recesses of your mind. The music evokes a range of emotions, drawing you into moments of reflection, whether it’s pondering the happiest or the darkest times of your life. The shifting soundscapes allow you to float between these emotional extremes, sometimes violently jolted by the ferocity of grindcore, and other times gently carried away by shoegaze's lush, ambient textures. The transition between these two worlds is masterful, particularly toward the back end of the album, where the ambient sections flow effortlessly into more intense grindcore passages. This seamless layering of contrasting elements creates a striking tension, adding complexity and intrigue to every track.
The production on this album deserves special mention—it's absolutely phenomenal. Each instrument is given space to breathe, allowing the listener to feel every sound with an intimacy that pulls you deeper into the experience. The clarity and depth of the recording make every note and beat hit harder, with even the quietest atmospheric details coming through in sharp focus. When you listen, it feels as though the music is surrounding you, enveloping you completely and guiding you through every twist and turn.
This is an album meant to be experienced in full, to be listened to with intention. Find a quiet space, put on a pair of noise-cancelling headphones, and let yourself get lost in the sound. "When No Birds Sang" isn’t just a record—it’s a soul-searching journey, one that pulls you in, makes you reflect on the beauty and pain of existence, and leaves you feeling both shaken and soothed. It’s the kind of album that demands your attention, an unpredictable yet captivating ride through the extremes of human emotion, all set to a soundtrack of gritty grindcore and soaring shoegaze.
NOTIABLE TRACKS:
Forever Well
Wild Blue
When No Birds Sang
Spend The Grace