Terrestrial Animal, the brainchild of instrumental post-rock musicians Jason Ward (guitar), Sid Neel (bass), Tiff Ellis (keys) and AJ Moore (drums), invites listeners on a journey with their latest album, Constant State of Decay. Embracing the mantra of crafting immersive soundscapes to transcend reality, this sonic collective takes us on an ethereal expedition through the realms of instrumental brilliance.
“Duḥkha” emerges as the initial offering, an atmospheric prologue that paints the auditory canvas with an audio drama-like portrayal, evoking the sensation of traversing a corridor to a distant room. It serves as a captivating mood-setter, laying the foundation for what’s to come.
However, it’s with “Law of Impermanence” that Terrestrial Animal truly takes flight. This haunting composition, reminiscent of luminaries like Mogwai and Explosions in the Sky, captivates with its haunting beauty. The enchanting spell continues with “Revivification,” where the band showcases their unhurried mastery, reaching a zenith just shy of the six-minute mark. Two guitars, dripping with reverb, intertwine gracefully while the rhythm section steadily intensifies the sonic journey. “Path of Equanimity” serves as a seamless transition piece, ushering in “Ᾱtman Within Us,” a quintessential embodiment of post-rock fundamentals.
“Gateway Terra,” an epic odyssey nearly twelve minutes in duration, emerges as the magnum opus, an introspective expedition unto itself. Among the gems in this sonic treasure trove is “Doctrine of Anātman,” a personal favorite that dabbles in elements of shoegaze, delivering a captivating twist. “Samsara” emerges with enigmatic, cosmic soundscapes, akin to the aura of Tool, yet with a Sunn O)))-inspired infusion of guitar-generated white noise. Terrestrial Animal’s experimental prowess shines brightly here, exploring multifaceted grooves and venturing into uncharted territories. The curtain falls with “Sukha,” a divine denouement that graces the listener with mystical vocals and a celestial atmosphere, providing a fitting closure to this sonic pilgrimage.
For fans of post-rock Terrestrial Animal is the real deal.