Long Distance Calling return with an immersive audio visual post rock box of treasure.

THE NEW(ISH) DIRECTION

Not counting the excellent Live At Lichtburg album, it has indeed been a while since the endangered species themed Eraser appeared from the Long Distance Calling studios. They’ve taken time to take stock and have some time out before commencing on the next chapter of their instrumental Post Rock story.

The clues to the latest direction are there – the font of the album title and band name point at a Twilight Zone style eeriness and combine with the shadowy figure in a two tone image to suggest something with a cinematic and mysterious bent. The title too – The Phantom Void – is the final confirmation that a fully immersive audiovisual experience is awaiting within.

Of course, the song(s) – or lack of them – remain the same, as LDC continue their path of instrumental creativity, showing no concession to any lyrical narrative, allowing the music (and the visuals) to tell the story. A smattering of soundbites simply add to the tension and reinforce the claustrophobia and nightmarish threat captured in the videos which accompany several tracks. In a twenty minute mini-movie, they form the perfect combination of the LDC sound and associated imagery. Almost like the journey was leading to this and answering the calls of those who have insisted “you need to do a soundtrack!“

SHORT, HARD & STRONG

Yes, it might live up the “the shortest, hardest and strongest album of their career” billing, but the narrative adds an extra dimension. The soundtrack nature of their music comes to fruition with the haunting musical score given accompanying visuals, yet as a standalone listening experience, The Phantom Void continues to tick the boxes. Massive soundscapes are balanced with finely tuned and intricate details, driving grooves and what seems a greater focus on a more direct songwriting approach. Same message but in a different frame.

So yes, the “you must write a soundtrack” enthusiasts will be sated as Mare (surely the ‘night’ sort) takes us down the rabbit hole with a slowly building ambience. Doing, as they say, what it says on the tin., as the skittering energy and lull of gentle guitar arpeggios underlie the commentary from the darkness. A Secret Place is the first showcase for the controlled dynamics where the contrast of gentle piano provides some comfort.

HEAVy artillery

The heavier guns are rolled out at the opening crescendo of Nocturnal, complete with frantic tempos kicking forward, the momentum picked up with a degree of tension on the title track. Shattered too picks up on the heftier groove despite moments of light relief, yet with one eye still on the visual side, the twist of Sinister Companion is revealed in the movie footage. Set against twisting and soaring guitar lines, the denouement is a typical horror trope, but then if it works, why not? And ultimately a convincing finale to an ambitious album that was just waiting to be made.

Here’s Sinister Companion:

Long Distance Calling: Website

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