Isis and Aereogramme
In the Fishtank 14

For those who don't know (for example, I didn't know), In the Fishtank is a project set up by the Dutch distributor Konkurrent, which works like this: we take two different artists, bring them together, give them a recording studio for two days, and see what emerges.
Beyond the extraordinary value of this initiative (bands like Tortoise, Motorpsycho, Sonic Youth, Dirty Three have participated), let's move on to judge this record featuring two bands: Isis and Aereogramme; the former, American, masters of post-metal; the latter, Scottish, creators of a heavily influenced progressive rock.

The result is 24 minutes of sonic suggestion. The genre of reference is the most atmospheric and dreamy post-rock, spiced up with Isis guitars, sometimes powerful, other times more subtle, and the delicate use of electronics, as in the jewel "Stolen," where the two elements combine and intertwine in a sinuous feedback. The voice, generally absent in this type of music that has bands like GY!BE and Explosions in the Sky as its cornerstone, is instead well integrated (in two songs) and perhaps represents the most valuable element of experimentation on the record. Specifically, in "Belial", the most definitively sludge song on the album, the pairing of Craig B/Aaron Turner puts on a show.

In short, an honest little record that won't change the world and, perhaps, won't offer you anything new: but still worthy of listening and appreciation. They told me I'm a musical aesthete because when I review music I always end by talking about beauty.

I don't deny it. This music, beyond everything, is beautiful.