A stirring EP out on October 6th, Modern Relics finds Casha Mour placing guitar at the center of an atmospheric and experimental sound that blurs the boundaries between post-punk, ambient, and electronic music. Many of the EP’s ideas began as simple guitar phrases before being reshaped through analogue textures, manipulated recordings, and woozy production, creating a fitting backdrop for its reflections on nostalgia, obsolete technology, and the sense of loss accompanying a changing world.
Commencing the EP, “Save Me / Erase Me” is exemplary of Casha Mour’s ability to infuse guitar-led entrancement with atmospheric adornments, especially in the downtempo electronic realm. A moody, trickling post-punk guitar tone melds on this EP opener with hypnotic, late-night allure, bolstered by “you erased me” lyrical laments and a ghostly synth whimper. The vocals rise barely above a hushed appeal, though establish a strong presence nonetheless. Airy synth qualities lead into a dreamier tonal disposition for an especially resonant send-off. Next up, “Homing” embraces a heavier rhythmic presence, easing in and out of prominence as murky twangs and low-pitched phrasing venture seamlessly alongside.
A crawling guitar and spacious soundscape then exude a contemplative spell on “Too Late,” while the ensuing “Oath” ascends with invigorating momentum as synths develop from creaky, vague intrigue to more accelerated pacing with washed-out snippets of vocalizations; its second half dazzles with a consistent rhythmic pulse, while the harmonic processing invokes a Burial-esque captivation. “Toluca” then unveils with a spacey, cinematic electronic-minded disposition that grows steadily into nocturnal guitar tones, while EP finale “Thirteen” is among the most guitar-forward of the productions, with clanging guitars leading the way for an understated, grungy character as the lead delivery assumes a soaring gorgeousness in the second half. Enthralling with its heady soundscapes and hypnotic, melodic compositions, Modern Relics is a fully memorable EP from Casha Mour.
Be sure to check out the EP on Bandcamp, where there is a limited release of 30 cassettes.
