“Post-rock” is a vague and meaningless bullshit label for pretentious instrumental rock with a lot of crescendos. Unfortunately, this trio from Richmond, VA can’t escape that categorization, but they do achieve far more than just another musical caricature for Stuff White People Like. The soft, atmospheric parts build a tension that isn’t formulaic and boring, but evocative and pensive. At the opposite end of the dynamics spectrum, there’s a heavy, lumbering stoner-rock vibe along with some bluesy twang (complete with harmonica) that reminds me of some panoramic Ennio Morricone overtures. Fans of Pelican, Russian Circles, Earth, and poignant loneliness should give this a spin.

Side A
1. (7:03) Swelling feedback and ambience crescendos into a plodding, tom-heavy dirge with harmonica and some minor pentatonics.
2. (7:32) Structurally and sonically a perfect complement of the previous track; fades out with some tribal drum meanderings and guitar reverb

Side B
1. (4:25) Sparse, folksy acoustic guitar arpeggios and lonely harmonica warbling. Subtle layers of fuzz maintain a rumbling tension beneath it all.
2. (10:09) Majestic, thundering bluesy riffs open slowly and are soon joined by a steady drumbeat and once again that sad little harp, interspersed with quiet, melancholy interludes.