An accomplished year for Post Death Soundtrack with the project’s riveting sixth full-length, GRIST. Already impressing this year with the WHITE DOVE EP and full-length IN ALL MY NIGHTMARES I AM ALONE, the Calgary-based solo project of Stephen Moore continues to dazzle with an eclectic stylistic array — from unsettling industrial rock (“I SWEAR”) and dreamily enticing atmospherics (“OPEN SEASON”) to the title track’s rumbling post-punk and fervent alt-rock synergy. Dynamic vocal performances, enveloping from cavernous nonchalance to in-your-face passion, align aptly with the ever-changing musical palate — fondly reminiscent of Swans and Nine Inch Nails in its eclectic, darkly invigorating approach.
Representing the second in a new series of 30-song double albums, GRIST is a decisive success that manages to engross throughout its entire duration. As the artist states: “Ram Dass famously stated that all life experience, trauma, transcendence, joy, suffering, is all just “grist for the mill of awakening”. That being said, here is the GRIST.” The listening experience commences with “OMEN,” where haunting textures and grimy bass bring forth an NIN likeness, delectably foreboding and impactful particularly as the choir-like vocal elements subtly weave in. The project’s more thunderous rock savvy is apparent on cuts like “SOW,” where heavy rock distortion and demon-referencing lyricism make for a lovely balance between anthemic ardor and brooding menace.
Amongst the many other highlights, “BEAR IS WAKING” struts more sonic experimentation in its mixture of plucky acoustics, doses of distortion, and intriguing ambient effects; its subdued first half swells into a spine-tingling, gothic-level second half allure, fit for horror film reminiscing. The ensuing “PRESSURE” also grabs with its no-frills rock blaring, while “PROFESSOR PLUM” is a short but sweet atmospheric standout in the vein of “BEAR IS WAKING.” The album constantly consumes in its alternations between heady, contemplative soundscapes and impassioned rock immediacy, making for another thorough triumph of a full-length from Post Death Soundtrack.
