It is difficult to determine whether a six song, 32 minute-long CD should be considered an EP or an LP - but it is clear that the members of Aereogramme consider Seclusion to be a full-length release. It is unlikely that anyone will argue with them, as the self-produced third album from the Scotland indie rockers takes listeners on a journey worthy of a double LP, regardless of the length. By the time the epic 11-minute centerpiece "The Unravelling" finishes, you will likely forget that you are only three tracks into the CD. The strength of Seclusion lies in Aereogramme's amazing sense of dynamics, drawing from both the shimmering clean guitars of post-rock and the industrial white noise of metal.
The 'calm in the eye of the storm' imagery of Craig B's voice surrounded by the abrasive guitar of Iain Cook is sure to draw comparisons to Tool - and with good reason. The exit of "Dreams and Bridges" could be an outtake from Ænema's "Third Eye" and the tribal percussion in the buildup of "The Unravelling" is a dead ringer for Danny Carey's electronic drum pads. This combined with seamless time signature changes into 6/4 and 5/4 driven by drummer Martin Scott may also remind listeners of post-Undertow Tool. However, it would be much more accurate to compare their sound to that of other UK bands engulfed in the post-rock movement. Hints of Irish-influenced post-rock can be heard through the clean guitars of "I Don't Need Your Love," while the fuzzed-out noise of Mogwai can be heard on "Lightning Strikes the Postman." This makes sense, considering that Craig B was previously in Ganger, a group heavily rooted in post-rock. Regardless of how closely Aereogramme may be influenced by post-rock, Craig B's use of melody remains the focus of the songs. In opening track "Inkwell," he croons, "A calm empty mind is something that I'll never find or need to define," leaving his voice reverberating infinitely. Yet on heavier tracks like "The Unravelling," brash screams cut through atmospheric instrumentation, revealing the emotion behind his pained lyrics. This brilliant use of dynamics is what will ultimately be most memorable about the album, leaving the listener unable, and without desire, to define a specific genre for Aereogramme. Seclusion removes any notion of putting limitations on a band this ambitious.
