EP Review – Nothing Is Nothing – Alcuna Wilds
British Dutch atmospheric trip rock band Alcuna Wilds create massive records that undulate with transfixing tempos and melodic lyrics. Intermixing a slew of sonic elements including ambient breathy synths, sombre vocals and rock tinged drum patterns each song is a layering of sound that is simple yet complex. Released on 25th January Nothing Is Nothing is a brilliant EP that continues the wild creativity of Alcuna Wilds.
Nothing is Nothing opens with ‘Pulse.’ A powerful guitar riff is undercut by flying synths, giving the opening a massive sound that is cut as the vocals bring a more stripped backed interlude. Slowing and steadying itself, the vocal inclusion brings a dreamy introspective breath that is quickly cut by the tempo increasing instrumentals. The song dances between tempos and sonic inclusion, a whirlwind that no doubt mirrors the drifting and falling state of the lyricist. A layering of sound and tempos ‘Pulse’ is a masterfully crafted record that is sonically interesting and lyrically poignant.
‘Handle It’ is up next. The distorted lyrical introduction opens up, blooming into clarity as the drums kick in. A fight between sombre reflection and ecstatic explosion there is a lovely sense of tension in the song. ‘Handle It’ is followed by atmospheric rock tinged ‘Fingertips.’ Injecting a little energy into the EP the tempo picks up, a rock infusion that offers a bit of brightness. With extended instrumentals and biting lyrics ‘Fingertips’ is a punching record that is certain to be a fan favourite.
Trance inducing ‘Rupture’ crawls and morphs with each bar. A mid song rock blast followed by an electronic distortion brings a surprising twist to the otherwise atmospheric song, a welcomed inclusion that creates sonic interest. There is something haunting and mysterious about the record, a sort of veiled truth masked by the sonic brilliance. ‘Rupture’ perfectly highlights Alcuna Wild’s ability to layer sound in an intoxicatingly explorative way, drawing in the audience with each new element. The EP wraps up with ‘Nothing.’ The elongated vocals stretch over muted instrumentals giving the final song a sombre, reflective tone.
There is a certain type of eloquent beauty that comes with Alcuna Wild’s creations. Nothing is Nothing aligns perfectly with this. Transfixing moments of rock and electronically stimulated synths are cut by atmospheric beauty, a perplexing concoction of sonic elements that swirl together to create masterpiece after masterpiece. Nothing is Nothing is an explorative EP that is sure to wow, we can’t wait to see how it translates when Alcuna Wild take to The Actress and Bishop stage later this month.
Reviewer: Kylie McCormick
Alcuna Wilds play the Actress and Bishop 31st January, tickets on this link.