"Floating in the Dead of Space" - Album Review: "Adio Noir" - Bossk

Bossk is a band that I hold an interesting history with. When I was 15, I was privileged to attend a local hardcore show in Miami, Florida for free thanks to a friend. There I met a lot of people who were big into the genres I had adored so heavily growing up (hardcore, punk, post-rock, post-metal, etc.). However, these genres I had gravitated towards carved a path of tremendous alienation from others in Miami, as rock is by far the least popular form of music here. In a city encumbered in genres such as reggeaton, bachata, pop, and hip-hop I always felt a layer of brooding disappointment as it was hard to share with anyone what I found to be amazing (and frankly life-changing). Anyways back to that show.... So there I met a lot of cool people and one guy there named Mark, kept spouting prophecies of a band that he claimed would one day produce the best rock we had ever heard. It was here that I first heard of Bossk (not to be confused with the Star Wars character). Back then I didn't own a computer, but I never forgot Bossk's name as I was curious to hear what Mark was talking about. Sure enough, a year later while reading online articles on a computer at school, I finally got my first taste of Bossk's music. They had released two EPs (entitled I and II respectively) and I was indeed blown away by what I heard. I had immediately fallen in love... only to discover that the band had broken up. But all hope was not lost!!! 2013 brought with it some interesting music, but it also paved the way for Bossk's triumphant return on Deathwish Records with an EP entitled "Pick Up Artist/Albatross" I was happy to see the band had reunited, but still wondered if we would ever see a full length LP from this immensely talented group. I'm now 23 years old, and the answer came with an LP (12 years in the making) entitled: "Audio Noir."

Hailing from the town of Ashford in Kent, England, the British 5 piece has marketed themselves as a "post everything" band. The name is extremely accurate as Bossk's sound permeates between post rock, post metal, sludge metal, etc. "Audio Noir" was well worth the wait as the album is both exhilarating and musically dynamic. Rarely is it the case that listeners need to listen to an album from start to finish to truly enjoy the album as a whole, yet "Audio Noir's" passages flow so smoothly and naturally that I truly can't see the album being listened to in any other way. Tracks make sleek and interesting transitions that speaks to the band's brilliant understanding of mixing and tracking. 

Whether is the sludgy, groove heavy riffs found on tracks such as "Atom Smasher" or the stylistic balance between coursing, melodic guitar tones playing off intense instrumentals on "Kobe," "Audio Noir" solidifies its place as a niche album that seeks to exemplify the band's mastery of the genres they play. Hell, track "Relancer" is a long, instrumental track that almost sounds like it could be a villain's theme in a children's film. 

Lastly, it's worth mentioning that while the genres Bossk delves intro tend to be more instrumental focused, props need to be given to vocalist Sam Marsh. I truly feel the addition of his heavy vocals really lends to an appealing layer of intensity on tracks when it is necessary. Marsh brings a unique aspect to the band's sound. I can't help but feel that this "holding-back when appropriate" technique ought to be emulated or at least experimented with by other bands. 

"Audio Noir" has been one of my top 10 releases of 2016 thus far. It's an album for anyone who truly loves post rock, sludge metal, post metal, etc. Bossk may not be that band that is changing the face of rock music as Mark had put it when I was younger... But they are certainly a band whose masterful approach to their sound deserves profound praise. Audio Noir is a brilliant debut LP and I can only hope for more success for the band's future.

Score: 9/10

Thanks you much for reading and have a wonderful day.

-Nights Off