set and setting
Reflectionless
(Self-Release)
There are a lot of instrumental post-rock/metal acts, and most of them do the same sort of thing: quite, loud, medium-quiet, heavy end. Florida act set and setting go about their style a little bit differently, and with three albums now under their belt, it’s clear they understand how to utilize those distinctive traits to their advantage. Most notably, they employ two drummers, and they often don’t work in unison, creating a mesmerizing and jarring rhythmic undercurrent that can be both disorienting (rock music isn’t tribal, usually) and impressive (I’m sure I couldn’t play either of the drum parts). They purposely perform different roles in slower moments, but are often employed like savage animals during the album’s heavy parts, whether they be punishing their drums or offsetting blast beats; the kit work has a driving sense of purpose.
That gets to another thing that set and setting really get: instrumental music is much more captivating when it actually gets heavy, and thankfully, the band really understands that. During its harshest (and best) moments, like “…The Mirrored Self” and “Ephemerality”, the band recall a more psychedelic and trance-inducing The Ocean during their recent trip to the bottom of the sea. The guitar parts are rarely flashy, but the songwriting often feels indebted more to prog than it does post-rock or sludge. Songs have interesting, unique movements rather than the more common Chutes-and-Ladders-style up and down race to loudness. set and setting tend to keep the quieter, more pensive moments to the album’s interludes, and while they serve their purpose, they feel a bit tacked on. After a good number of listens, they make more sense in the album’s scope.
However, the group are clearly more enchanting as a metal band than as a post-rock group. The actual songs carry a stunning sense of momentum and achieve real breathtakingly beautiful moments. It’s quite difficult to make metal this purposely pretty, but for an album about self-discovery, it’s clear set and setting are just that: a gorgeous, evocative post-metal group. Plus, Reflectionless feels all the more enjoyable, given its astounding closing number. “Ephemerality” helps put a crushing, brilliant bow on a nearly-perfect post-metal record, helping the listener forget minor gripes along the way.
Purchase the album here: Physical | Digital
