Laymar - In Strange Lines And Distances

Laymar describe their sound as "the noise you hear before entering hell," and in parts this description fits. It also does them a disservice, however, for there are plenty of other ideas on their debut LP, In Strange Lines And Distances. Whilst opener REC# 4 sounds like King Crimson played by computers, Circle And Squares and NU1 are much more enjoyable, though no less moody, ambient post-rock tracks. With the addition of some muffled screams this would pass as a decent Isis record, and there is definitely a metal feel to the album, despite the absence of shredding riffs. In their place is soft, brooding, and menacing synth with whispers of guitar layered over the top as each song builds to often breathless conclusions. In the case of closer Swords this takes nearly twenty minutes, but like the album itself, if you can go the distance this dark and eerie record is deeply satisfying. [Neal Parsons]