We all have bands that we are fully aware of, but that we’ve also never really heard. I have heard all about 65daysofstatic for many years, but it was after they composed the soundtrack for the video game No Man’s Sky that they really seemed to get some acknowledgement, and my interest was perked. Their new album “Replicr” releases on September 27th through Superball Music, and I’m quite enjoying it.
65daysofstatic have been around since 2004 or even earlier, so they are really progressing and evolving. They have transitioned through many phases and genres, but nuance seems to be rising to the top after all these years. The band includes Rob Jones on drums; Paul Wolinski on piano, guitars, and programming; Joe Shrewsbury on guitars; and Simon Wright on bass and synth.
The music here is ambient electronic. I would say that it is definitely progressive, but you’ll hear some trip hop beats and drone influence alongside the burning electronic horizons. Really, they don’t fall into any neatly defined genre. Some of the songs do sound specifically inspired by the likes of Vangelis, especially his Blade Runner album, but what electronic group isn’t influenced by him, honestly? It’s more like Vangelis and, I don’t know, maybe Linkin Park had a baby. Does that make any sense? No, there is no rapping, but the groovy freshness is definitely there. In short, the band offers more of the electronic goodness that I love, and they do so in various shades, atmospheres, and colors.
“Replicr” has 14 tracks, which is unusual for this type of release. This is both a strength and a weakness. It is a strength because progressive electronic can often be long-winded, and so the band has made it more accessible here with shorter, more defined hunks of music. Most of the songs are only a few minutes in length. It is a weakness, though, especially to fans of the genre, since many of the songs do not have the time to grow and mature to their potential. The band tends to get to the point more quickly, which some people will love, though progressive electronic fans do love a good slow burn.
There are more than a few great tunes here. The album is structured with several interludes that are each only one or two minutes long. The primary tracks are usually more around 3-5 minutes in length. I will say, as an aside, that this album is best heard on a good system turned way up, if possible. The nuance of melody and the subtlety of texture are worth hearing. I suspect vinyl would sound the best.
Each song does seem to have its own character. “Stillstellung” is an earnest, beat-heavy track that burns unrelentingly. “Sister” is pure ambiance, complete with bloops and whirs. It’s like unadulterated introspection. “z03” is a brightly burning, yet low-key track that gives us some snarling moments, but also some ambient clicks and cuts. “Popular Beats” feels like a remix of something from Blade Runner. I really enjoy it.
I do have favorites, though. “Bad Age” is one of them. It is one of the longer tracks, and it gets plenty of sci-fi atmosphere while also still having that driving and ominous beat. “Five Waves” is another, and has a great burning hook and a creepy mood. It expands, though, into something akin to post-rock with keys, and I love it. “Interference_1” is the longest song on the album, and thus gives us the most maturation. It grows incrementally and satisfyingly into a gentle melodic hook and beautiful setting. “Trackerplatz” is a perfect ending for the album, feeling like a muted crescendo of thoughts and emotions. I do wish it would last another minute or so, building even more than it does.
I’m impressed by my first foray into 65daysofstatic. They have a keen ear for delicate textures and expansive effects. While their music might not be for everyone, especially if you might want more metal or rock, I myself love their cinematic, yet personal sound. Check out the new album!
____________
The PROG Mind 