The weeks following the Christmas and New Year holidays can often feel like a bit of a struggle, when those returning to work and school are hit by nebulous motivational issues, or actual illnesses when the body just gives up and lets the virus run wild. We can either wallow in this personal and/or physical slump and hope to gradually drag ourselves out of it or we can be a lot more pro-active and blast away the blues. What we’re listening to has a not inconsiderable bearing on attitude at this point; it can either be a Leonard Cohen afterworld complete with sad country lamentations or something louder and a lot less navel-gazing.
A Closer Listen’s tip for New Year listening comes in the shape of [ B O L T ]‘s second release, which eases itself in slowly before shaking the listener by the shoulders and telling them to get a grip and look lively. Metaphorically speaking, at least. The name Bolt, however it’s laid out typographically, may suggest a subliminal link to Lightning Bolt – and it’s not so far-fetched in that both bands are duos and skirt the edges of metal, but whilst the Brians tend toward fast, hyperactive riffing, [ B O L T ] channel the sluggish, slo-mo Sabbath sound beloved of Earth and, to an extent, Om. One crucial difference is that the Doomy duo under the spotlight here are drummer-free and the music is almost entirely powered by low, slow bass and guitar notes, embellished with keyboards, sound effects and field recordings.
The opening track, helpfully titled “[ 0 3 ]”, spends its first minute or so filling the air with industrial-sounding textures before the first note is struck in anger. Indeed, that is one of the impressive aspects of Bolt – they are perfectly happy to sit back and give space to other sounds, whether it be synths or birdcall, rather than smothering every second with guitars. The slow, deliberate, unfolding of the notes has an energising effect on the listener; rather than being overwhelmed by the sound, it is possible, indeed preferable, to become actively involved – putting the record on and going for a brisk walk perhaps where the sounds of nature can invade the music (admittedly, more of a challenge if you have the vinyl edition). It’s an easier listen than some of Stephen O’Malley’s work, for example, which can be overwhelming in their oppressive atmosphere.
[ B O L T ] are the ideal cure for blowing away the January cobwebs, then, with an involving and invigorating album, that will sit proudly alongside other slow-metal and drone bands. There aren’t many records in this genre that close with the sound of piano and birdsong, yet this carries it off with confidence and aplomb. This EP fills in the missing numbers from the first release yet sounds much more coherent stylistically so it’s a definite step forward rather than being what could be perceived as a collection of leftovers. It fills the gaps for the first nine tracks anyway, and bodes well for “[ 1 0 ]” and beyond. This is music to be played loud, so turn it up and leave those winter blues out in the cold. (Jeremy Bye)
a closer listen 