Music > Album Reviews

Esmerine // Dalmak

14/11/13

Release Date: 3rd September 2013

Esmerine // Dalmak (Constellation) 

The core members of Esmerine have played in or collaborated with the likes of Arcade Fire, GY!BE, Silver Mt Zion and Set Fire To Flames. Being based in Montreal and having a home on Constellation, it is unsurprising that their sound is firmly 'post-rock'. However, that is too limiting a description and previous releases have included elements of chanson, Eastern European folk, classical and even (say it quietly) jazz.

With 'Dalmak', the band have taken a surprising turn. Partially recorded in Istanbul with a number of Turkish musicians guesting, Esmerine have added a large dash of Turkish and Middle Eastern trad/folk to their sound. Indeed, 'dalmak' is a Turkish word meaning 'to contemplate or be immersed'.

This is generally slow, gentle and, yes, contemplative music that one can become immersed in. The likes of 'Learning To Crawl' and 'Lost River Blues' are simply gorgeous. And yet, when the band steps up the intensity on 'Translator's Clos', things get even better.

Of course, things are rarely perfect. Much as I love this album, it is predominantly instrumental. The only voices are heard on wordless ululations. Uplifting, yes, but previous albums have featured the singing of cellist Rebecca Foon and I would like to hear more of that voice. That is a minor criticism. This could be the perfect soundtrack to the best film never made and may well be my album of 2013.

Pavlis (9.5/10)