Review: Mountain Caller ‘Chronicle II: Hypergenesis’
Having witnessed Mountain Caller playing live recently on their support slot with the mighty Urne, I was impressed with what I saw and heard that evening, so I was intrigued by what their new album, Chronicle II: Hypergenesis, would bring, and to be honest, I wasn’t really that surprised by how brilliant it is.
I almost expected it to be superb, but it has gone beyond that, and this album will hopefully be a standout moment for them. The music they produce seems so effortless and could well redefine the boundaries of musical exploration, as they’ve drawn inspiration from the majestic heights of nature and the boundless expanses of the cosmos to create aural landscapes that resonate with the soul. Just by listening to the opening track Daybreak it will set your mind floating off into a different stratosphere, as it’s a song of stunning beauty and simplicity.
If you aren’t familiar with Mountain Caller, they are a trio of musicians, who are fans of bands such as Elder and Russian Circles and are looking to push the boundaries of progressive music. With Claire Simson on guitar, El Reeve on bass and Max Maxwell on drums, they convey stories and emotions across each played note, with intricate melodies intertwined across the music. Dead Language is a powerfully atmospheric song that thunders along and with the added vocals, giving more depth to the proceedings.
powerful dynamics and intricacies, complex yet simple in equal measure, with a meticulous attention to detail…
What I love most about Mountain Caller, is that you can hear all of the instruments being played, the bass sound is sublime, the drums are thunderous yet tender, the guitars soft and dreamy, and when combined, the trio seamlessly take you on a journey of discovery. Into The Hazel Woods is a wonderful example of this, so gentle and mellow before exploding into life, allowing each musician to demonstrate their talents, and for a song of nearly seven minutes long, I just didn’t want it to end.
The album ends with the eight-minute odyssey Hypergenesis which probably best encapsulates what the band are all about. It’s full of powerful dynamics and intricacies, complex yet simple in equal measure, with a meticulous attention to detail that will resonate with anyone who just loves music that makes you feel alive.
This album should cascade Mountain Caller onto bigger and better things, and deservedly so. Definitely a band to watch out for in 2024.
Label: Church Road Records
Band Links: Facebook | Bandcamp | Spotify | Instagram
Scribed by: Matthew Williams
