Advertisement

Album reviews Music

Old World Vulture – Trophy Lovers

OLD WORLD VULTURE celebrate the release of Trophy Lovers Friday (July 27) at the Garrison. See listing. Rating: NNN


It’s not nearly as friendly a time for instrumental post-rock as it was in the late 90s, but Toronto’s Old World Vulture bring something new to the table that could help them overcome that handicap. Instead of focusing on atmospheric textures and intricate interlocking riffs like their forebears, OWV take pleasure in unabashedly rocking out, and are willing to bring some sparkly synth pop melodies into the mix, too. The latter in particular give listeners something they can actually sing, or at least hum, along to.

The crunchy guitars and pounding drums might be a bit too alt-rock for some, but instrumental music doesn’t always have to be sleepy and delicate. On the other hand, the rhythm section would benefit greatly from more swing and subtlety – too often they come across as plodding when they’re aiming for a relaxed groove. They do, however, excel at wall-of-sound pulsating drones, and that’s really what this kind of music is all about.

Top track: Last Kicks Of A Dying Horse

Advertisement

Exclusive content and events straight to your inbox

Subscribe to our Newsletter

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

By signing up, I agree to receive emails from Now Toronto and to the Privacy Policy and Terms & Conditions.