Blanket (Our Brief Encounters)
Crank this to 8.6 of 11
Released: 2017
Genre: Post Rock
Sounds Like: And So I Watch You From Afar, Caspian
The debut EP from The UK's Blanket entitled Our Brief Encounters delivers some heartfelt indie Post-rock variety. The integration of subtle warm vocals much akin to Sigur Ros or Bon Iver and sporadic spoken word adds a bit more texture than the garden variety Post-rock debut. Blanket hold true to that core Post-rock sound, but add some warm spice with the downtrodden vocals and splurges of sampling that allow us to pick them out from the over-saturated current market. The opener "Acacia" perks our interest with its impressive piano interludes as splashes of distinction follow.
What is the best track of the lot?
"Discoveries and Beginnings" comes close with its epic melody and poignant use of ‘The Office's Ed Helms for an unexpected but impactful spoken word. Ultimately "Starlight Filled Our Minds" takes top bill for its amazing contrast and majestic vocals. This track is filled with inspiration and energy.
What song contributes most to your arm involuntarily lifting towards the heavens?
There is always one, "To The Skies" will trigger that movement in your forearm. Tremendous fretwork and layered piano make for quite the closer leaving is wanting more.
Opening track "Acacia" is mostly instrumental. It has some interesting piano progressions but ultimately it can’t help sounding like every other track by Explosions In The Sky, 65 Days Of Static, And So I Watch You From Afar, Redneck Manifesto and so on.
How is the production?
Above average headphone experience. Plenty of contrast and vibrant emotions on this one. Recorded By Grant Berry and Blanket Mixed by Lewis Johns at The Ranch Mastered by Grant Berry at Fader Mastering.
What adult beverage would go well with this album?
We recommend Blackpool's very own Latham Brewery batch of Top Dog - a ruby ale packed with malts that provide notes of caramel flavor, hopped solely with British hops to provide the distinction.
What are our final thoughts for Our Brief Encounters?
Blanket have injected themselves as a mainstay in our rotation. Their emotional, majestic Post-rock vibe is right up our alley, we highly recommend this one. We're also looking forward to the next chapter as they are currently locking themselves in the studio to finish writing their debut full length.
Track listing:
1. Acacia-5:48
2. Tethered-3:58
3. Discoveries and Beginnings-5:06
4. Starlight Filled Our Minds-5:37
5. To The Skies-6:06
Follow Blanket: Facebook
