Album Review: Sodus – Night or Mourn (Trepanation Recordings)

Trepanation Recordings present ‘Night or Mourn’, the latest album from Rochester, New York based Sodus. Released on CD, cassette, and digital formats on December 23rd, 2022.

Five tracks long but coming in at over an hour, Sodus’ new album is an exhausting trek through instrumental soundscapes. Where progressive melodies combine with cinematic atmosphere and post-rock/shoegaze delights.

It’s music that can’t be rushed. An experience that needs to be breathe. Where expressing feelings and moods is a core part of what Night or Mourn is about. Melancholic and meandering tones, with moments that can be called uplifting, but for the most part, a morse listen. Yet, it doesn’t drag the spirits down. It’s far too beautiful. The wide-ranging and varied showcase is immeasurably exciting.

What’s particularly interesting is that there being no vocals feels exactly the right decision because there’s no distractions. No need to focus on singing and lyrics. The mind can hone in on the instrumental detail and pick up more nuances that just make the experience all the more exhilarating. It’s got way more vitality than you might initially expect but Sodus are not afraid to get heavy when the need arises. We’re talking doomy levels of intensity here.

It’s a recommended listen. Of course, it is. However, it does come with a caveat.

Give this album the time it needs. Give this album the time is deserves. This is no background listen where you’re busying yourself with another task and barely paying attention. Night or Mourn demands your attention but gives you an unforgettable experience in return.

Links

Bandcamp