Preterite — Pillar of Winds
Both artists have had varied output in other bands/projects. Here we find a gentle balance of guitars, vocals, harmonium, piano and synthesizers in a way that at times sounds very ancient, almost primal and cleverly modern. That fits in well with their band name Preterite which is a grammatical tense used to denote events that took place or were completed in the past.
“The Oath” starts things off with one long beautiful note that intertwines with clear as a bell vocal. With all of Preterites songs on Pillar of Winds it should be noted that vocals are so very well united with the music that they never feel overdone. If anything they feel like they are their own instruments yet integral to the music. They never flit above the melodies they become integrated with them almost appearing to be a mystical instruments all to themselves.
“The Fourth Corner” carries on with the theme of vocals becoming the instrument; everything meshes into a lovely drone that becomes quite hypnotic. “Trial of Strength” adds guitars to the mix, enhanced by stark piano chords. The song is interesting in its minimalism, guitars, piano and vocals and its final outcome; a crushing wave of heaviness that almost hinges on being Doom metal inspired.
“Synagogue” again features those lovely reverbed guitar sounds. The vocals switch up from a drone to a more melodic, folkishly tinged affair. “Viriditas” closes things out with dark buzzing guitars and harmonium. Vocals are strong just as they are on the other songs, but there is a bit more softness to them here, there is a delicate hesitancy to them. Yet it all collapses into a noisy, well-done din.
Although Preterite has already released new material, Pillar of Winds is a sterling debut for the project. Both Genevieve and James’ backgrounds with drone, black metal, experimental and noise unite here to present a deliciously clear and raucous creation.