Where it sometimes feels like comparing apples and oranges when reviewing instrumental vs. metal groups with vocals, I find it necessary to hold instrumental acts to a higher or at least a different standard as they lack the component of lyrical content and vocal melodies. I've narrowed down the necessary factor to that of if the instruments alone can either evoke a mood, message, or act as powerful as a voice.
Like most heavy post-rock groups, Set and Setting is purely instrumental. Yet, there are many aspects that divides the band from the stereotypical tropes of the genre. Firstly, the sludge tone that is executed certainly drags the quintet away from the clean-cut post-rock acts like Explosions in the Sky to the point where they are more situated closer to Intronaut on the spectrum. This element alone brings up the question as if they are post-metal rather than post-rock and I could argue either way depending on the song. Another exceptionally unique part of this band's identity is their two drummers, Mark Etherington and Stephen Handal. With my expectations of the dual drummers execution created from the Melvins' stint with Big Business, I don't feel as if the doubling up of percussion is as powerful, but plays into the band's heaviness.
You can tell a lot about a band by the opening track off their record and for Reflectionless, "Saudade" is a crystal clear display of what Set and Setting has to offer. Being one of the heaviest and dynamic pieces on here, the down-tuned guitars pound out a dreary riff slower than the onslaught of drum beating. Examining the following couple tracks, the dichotomy between the soft melodic ambience of "Axiom Dream Within…" and the thick riffs of "…The Idyllic Realm" feel reminiscent to a Russian Circles-like composition.
"… The Mirrored Self" is another heavy standout with a layer of lead guitar that worked like peanut butter and jelly over the repeating rhythm. Similar to the song structures of Isis, there were rhythmic guitar-based motifs, but the group would wander to favor the atmosphere before heading back to the main riff. Closing track "Ephmerality" flows from traditional melodic post-rock back to the typical, yet strong sludgy grooves I've been calling attention to.
Known for his work with other sludgy, wall-of-sound acts like Torche or Wrong, Ryan Haft's involvement in Reflectionless is likely one of the main reasons for the heavy factor. While this could be due to production or songwriting, from a textural standpoint, there feels to be a lot going on here.
Post-rock/metal isn't exactly a trendy subgenre to be in currently, but acts like Set and Setting provides new life to the scene. Although their execution may not be all too different from classics like Russian Circles or Pelican, their dynamic fusion of calm and sludgy parts is the start of what will define the band's distinct identity. Referring back to the intro paragraph where I established the necessary factor of instrumental groups lay in their ability to evoke emotions or have a voice through their instruments, I believe this record's melodic transitions and moody atmosphere satisfies that requirement. With that being said, I truly have hopes that these guys will gain enough momentum to the point where they bring back innovation and pizazz to respark the genre. Overall though, Reflectionless is a moving collection of heavy and ambient music.
Score: 8/10
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