65daysofstatic – Silent Running

Posted on 16th Nov 11 by Stephen McKeever | 1

One of the finest instrumental post-rock and electronic bands is back, with something a little bit special for the 65kids (fans of the band). Back in June, 65daysofstatic performed a live alternative re-score at the Glasgow Film Festival of the soundtrack of “Silent Running”, a science fiction film based around the future of Earth and the extinction of all plant life, filmed in 1972. According to the band, this was never meant to happen, yet an idea was thrown onto the blog about releasing the score on CD and digital download. As you can imagine, fans went wild, and within two hours, the band announced that the score will be released. And here we are today, reviewing the new release from 65daysofstatic, “Silent Running”. Prepare to take a melodic voyage through space and time, this is 65dos like you’ve never heard them before.

The journey begins with an electrifying introduction known as “Overture”. When I heard the piano in the opening, I knew that the band was finally returning to its roots to bring the true potential of instrumental rock forward. Unlike “We Were Exploding Anyway’s” heavy emphasis on dance music and speed, the album is much more softer and euphoric than its predecessors, which in my opinion, is a great move by the band.

“Burial Scene” is one of the best tracks on the album for its beautiful piano playing, and its atmospheric ambience. The entire track is more centred around the piano than any other instrument, giving off a lovely sound, and a reminder that post-rock isn’t all bzzzzzt and noise, but something of pure beauty.

Most of the electronics, especially on the highly electronic track “Broken Ship Ruse” are performed by the “65NOISEBOX”, a unique instrument created by the band, (and at some stage during the promotion of the new album were sold in highly limited stock), which gives the entire an album a sound that can’t be duplicated by any other band.

65daysofstatic accomplishes something that no other band can. They can take a movie soundtrack, and completely transform it into something so powerfully crafted and beautiful, that it becomes art. It’s a fantastic buy, and something that all fans of 65daysofstatic and instrumental rock, heck, the whole world, would cherish if they gave it a listen.

The album is available to download, and purchase on CD/Vinyl (limited stock) along with merchandise at their official store at http://store.65daysofstatic.com/

[Reviewer's Note: Great to be back on the D!]

Drop-D Rating: 10/10

Tags: 65daysofstatic, rescore, Review, running, silent

About Stephen McKeever

A musician, video producer, media critic and geek from both Letterkenny and Monaghan.

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