A wave of electrifyingly experimental rock has been coming out of Ireland & Northern Ireland over the past few years. At the forefront of this underground explosion is Belfast’s And So I Watch You From Afar. With a sound that hits numerous dimensions, at times being progressive then flowing into a hyper metal and hardcore punk style, this quartet could very well be the most epic band to come out of the British Isles in quite some time. Their fourth studio album, Heirs, is a superb example of how this band has evolved from being a completely instrumental monster to a triumphant force that has inspiring lyrics.
Let me be honest, when And So I Watch You From Afar first added vocals on their previous release All Hail Bright Futures in March 2013, I was a little turned off. Maybe it was because it was something I didn’t expect from a band that only released instrumental tracks before, or maybe it was because I just didn’t get it. With Heirs, I do now. A feverish pace and a boom that coats each track like icing on a cake makes And So I Watch You From Afar’s new release a fantastic return to form. Energizing and invigorating in so many ways, I suggest pressing play on this bad boy while indulging in your morning cup of coffee.
It’s about that time in New England where we go outside, relax with the best of friends and enjoy our surroundings more. What would be a better way to get you amped up for some fun in the sun than with my top tracks off of the Album Of The Week?
My favorite track off of Heirs has to be “Fucking Lifer;” the thumping bass from Jonathan Adger really makes this one a head banger for the ages. Purely epic in immense fashion, “Wasps” has scorching riffs coming from Rory Friers and Niall Kennedy that possess so much power it can destroy a brick wall. With a weird beginning that’s sonically spine tingling, “Animal Ghosts” will make your eyes bulge with excitement as this fearsome foursome rhythmically unites to being a raging musical entity.
And So I Watch You From Afar are currently embarking on a tour of Europe where they’ll be playing at Islington Assembly Hall in London on May 1. Let’s all hope they roll on through Providence or Boston soon for what will be a righteous time that few will forget. Until then, grab a copy of Heirs when it’s released to the masses on May 4. It’ll wow you, astound you and it’ll definitely impress you.
Stream Heirs right here: soundcloud.com/sargent-house/sets/and-so-i-watch-you-from-afar-heirs
