EP Review: Async Await – Irretrospective Part 1 (Chameleons Risen)

Alternative rock project Async Await will unleash Irretrospective Part 1, the first of a trio of EPs, on the 15th of September 2023 via Chameleons Risen.

Project mastermind Mike Sorensen comments:

Irretrospective Part 1 is the first of a three part series of EPs that comprise a reflection on my past and personal life. Part 1 deals with feelings of isolation, intrusive thoughts, helplessness and personal failure. These are the oldest songs in the series and harken back to the early parts of my adult life. The final track, “Bourbon”, begins to bring it closer to the present: a song written over ten years about some of my most regretted mistakes made in both distant and recent memory.

A dynamic blend of alternative rock, electronica, and distortion, Async Await showcases a varied sound across the four tracks that make up this EP. Starting with the dreamy, fuzz-laden, and passionate Claustrophobic. Async Await showing an immediate ear for layers, while not pushing the limits of imagination too far.

Though that’s not to suggest there isn’t experimental edges to Irretrospective Part 1, as the next track shows. Called Owl Sanctuary, it is a thumping and groovier listen, that moves at different paces, has some enigmatic melodic touches, a 90s vibe, and features strong lyrical content that shows more of the personal side of this record.

The final two tracks of the EP are Revoke Reliance and Bourbon, and both continue to show off the dynamic sound of Async Await nicely. The former is a catchy foot-tapper with intriguing layers of electronica. Whereas the latter is a powerful and poignant piece that ebbs and flows nicely.

So, Irretrospective Part 1 proves itself to be a worthwhile experience. Roll on Irretrospective Part 2 later this year.

Async Await – Irretrospective Part 1 Track Listing:

1. Claustrophobic
2. Owl Sanctuary
3. Revoke Reliance
4. Bourbon

Links

Spotify | Bandcamp | Instagram