Blast Radius - Synonyms for Hope

I'm writing this review while travelling at 300kph through Osaka, Japan. This is relevant, because the new Blast Radius EP "Synonyms for Hope" really is the perfect soundtrack to accompany my race through this mind blowingly futuristic metropolis.

Here's Blast Radius in a nutshell : Deep, constantly evolving, evocative music. There are no vocals, it is wholly instrumental. I really couldn't imagine it any other way. The guys live in Melbourne, in the South East of Australia. The "Synonyms for Hope" EP follows 2011's full length release "Define, Redefine" which was released on the Australian label Aphotic Audio.

Their work stands proudly at the thoughtful, understated, melodic end of the electro industrial spectrum. It's wide open, very well crafted music that never stops evolving. What sets this album apart is the transcendent melodies that weave their way through heavy guitars and lush electronic soundscapes. A stirring piano interlude will suddenly be swept away by a razor sharp industrial metal guitar riff, which will just as quickly fade into a post apocalyptic electronic dreamscape. Music with this amount of progression is in most cases a recipe for disaster, but Blast Radius have managed to pull it off in spectacular fashion.

Here's an example : The track "Full Circle" begins as though it is a recording of a power station on the verge of exploding. Within seconds it all fades to darkness, and we are treated to a bite sized portion of sublime piano work. But don't get comfortable, the show must go on. There's another host of wonders waiting for you just around the corner...

Of the remixes included with this release, the Paul Venkman mix is the standout gem. It's like the track "To Find Them Frozen" has been re-worked as a movie score, complete with acoustic guitars and ethnic instrumentation. Lovely.

I'm scoring this release so highly for its sheer audacity. It displays all of the hallmarks of genius. Buy it now. Sep 20 2012