Most of us find instrumental music at one point or another in our lives. At first, I viewed it as a space for me to implant my own feelings onto the musical canvas, as if the focus of the emotion was directionless by nature. While a good instrumental track definitely allows for the introspection of the listener, a great deal of the music is also pulling at one idea in a meaningful way. It doesn’t dictate the exact core of one’s sentiment, but allows us to dive into the mood and come out with our own perspective through the sound.
When Gudewife described their new EP as a meditation on loss, I felt the immediate tug to hear how this was explored. Atoms, Don’t Die is their forthcoming release from the instrumental math/post-rock duo consisting of guitarist Luke Burrows and drummer Tom Holmes. The North West, UK band evokes these denser feelings through five tracks, all encompassing different expressions of the topic. We’ve got the second single to present here along with a video performance that highlights the interplay between the two bandmates. Turn down your lights and let the lampshades dim the mood with the video for “When Silence Forgets Itself” below!
I can’t help but mention that even with the seriousness of the subject matter, this song is fun. The tapping melody driving the song forward, the quick drum fills amongst it, and even the matching green hues shared on the finishes of both instruments just feels invigorating. But as the song progresses, the significance and tone change begins to build. To me, this song feels as if the noise of life cannot be quelled, and the loss of peace and quiet across the constant hiss of reality becomes suffocating. What happens when you can’t find the escape?
Luckily, this song is a form of escapism itself. The subtle lighting just begs for tranquility, a reminder that we can set the mood and find our balance within through simple means. I’ve loved both singles from Gudewife now, and I’m keen on hearing Atoms, Don’t Die in full. The EP releases on July 24 through Ripcord Records and can be pre-ordered on their Bandcamp page here. The production was helmed by Tom Peters at Trapdoor Studios, and mastered by Stephen Kerrison, who helped further bring the duo’s concept to life.
Ripcord Records have been building quite an exciting catalogue of post-rock and affiliated acts, and Gudewife is another great addition to their label. We’ve covered Dutch Elm’s math-y post-rock here earlier, and I would be remiss not to recommend Gudewife if you liked what you heard there. This has the same instrumental flare that piqued my interest, and “When Silence Forgets Itself” will surely pique yours. The ambition of this release is what truly excites me, though. Two members exploring such a burdensome aspect of living have delivered on their new singles already, and the full release will surely offer a sense of catharsis for those who connect with the theme.
Be sure to check out Gudewife on Instagram, Facebook, and their Bandcamp as we await Atoms, Don’t Die come July 24. I’d also give Ripcord Records a follow on their socials if you like this music and need more of it curated, they can be found on Instagram, Facebook, and Bandcamp as well. Don’t forget you can also pre-order the full EP here which offers a digital album or CD Digipack.
