Much like the dense expanses of sci-fi space that their music thematically focuses upon, the UK’s Wallowing are a band of mystery. With their identities largely hidden and their physical presence in cloaked and masked outfits, Wallowing instead allow their music and their theming of darkened science fiction to be the true focus of their creative outlet.
With an underground following swelling, in part as a result of this, their sophomore album Earth Reaper (Church Road Records) sees more eyes on them before, in time for further expanses than before.
Earth Reaper is a brooding affair that is almost as focused on a sense of tensing ambience as it is with dynamic songcraft. Three of the six tracks which make up the rough first half are brief, atmospheric interludes of electronic sound effects and a fear-inducing tone to them. These intersperse songs with ever-growing durations, from the three and a half minute ‘Flesh and Steel’ to the ten-plus minute ‘CYBORG ASPHYXIATION’. The former is ultimately a formidable opening statement growing from powerful singular notes to a quickening, frantic pace, and familiar sci-fi-like wobbling sound effects, finishing with a crawling, sludgey climax. The former uses similar tropes throughout but proves more expansive, able to fill a longer duration with calm before the storm reprieves before it brings the fury again.
The final half (loosely) is the closing, twenty-plus minute title track which builds on this increased adventurous and immersive nature. The sense of dread is in full effect in the opening bars, slowly adding layers through feedback and soundscapes before vocals erupt into play again. Interplaying some elements of death metal as well as moments of wailing vocals almost on their own, the closing track is largely a slow and powerful affair that is towering with bleakness.
In a deceptively quick affair, Wallowing have managed to create chasmic moments of song craft which, whilst not entirely unique, is armed with enough individuality in theming and ambience to have created an identity of their own. In a time of abundance of young UK bands, Wallowing have shown to be a hugely exciting prospect.
Buy the album here:
https://wallowingnoise.bandcamp.com/album/earth-reaper
7 / 10
CHRIS TIPPELL