Written by Alexis Zygan
DESPERATION, ANXIETY AND BLISS ARE BLENDED TOGETHER IN THEIR FOUR-TRACK, GENRE-BENDING EPIC.
Dyatlove’s self-titled EP strings together rage and tranquillity to create four deeply engaging tracks. With songs that reflect the ardent instrumental arrangement expression of their passion, the band allures the listener in the form of a riveting musical voyage.
"[The EP] is like a movie,” says bassist Justin Lacey. “We got these drawn-out spacey parts, and then it comes to the conflict where it becomes aggressive. Then it downs back to calm."
Beginning with dark and sorrowful pianissimo melodies in "Pass the Heavens", the eight-minute song crescendos into desperate screams as the intensity heightens. Genres within the song shift, sucking you from the gentle float of gravityless space and into a claustrophobic black. The entire record follows this juxtaposition of spaciousness and claustrophobia.
"We did not tie ourselves up to one genre,” Lacey explains. “I love the stoner rock, heavy sludge - but I love to crank on the reverb where you can hear the emotion of the song."
Dyatlove’s atmospherically heavy first single “Fragile Fixation” washes you in cool bliss. Vocals change from a blanket-like comfort to murderous screeches. An almost Deftones-esque dynamic that introduces intergalactic to inner-anxiety.
Inspired by bands like Gouge Away, Holy Fawn and Refused, the Vancouver-based band originated as a project with Sam Caviglia and Rikki Buford. While collaborating, Caviglia and Buford composed instrumental-only tracks. After realizing their potential as a band - they recruited Rob Sheldrick for the drums and invited Lacey to play bass at a jam session. Caviglia knew Lacey as he was a long-time member of the music scene. They had previously performed together in the band Fey.
During quarantine, Dyatlov had some time to relax, reflect and allow their creative juices to flow. As half of the members were out of the work, they could instead focus on artistic endeavours. When they entered back into the studio, each member brought with them new concepts that listeners can expect to hear in future albums.
Fans can expect a lot from Dyalov within the next few months. In the fall, Dyatlov plans to release a bonus track "Die Kill Pig," a track written a year ago, albeit relevant to the worldwide protests to defund the police.