ALBUM REVIEW: We’re All Going To Be Fine – Lost In Kyiv
In a year packed with fantastic post-rock and post-metal releases, Parisian quartet LOST IN KYIV push their sound further than ever, keeping things fresh after more than a decade of solid releases. With the resurrection of NEUROSIS and standout releases from FORT, MONO and DUTCH ELM, the last few months have been a smorgasbord of treats for fans of the post genres. Now, on their fifth album We’re All Going To Be Fine, French four-piece LOST IN KYIV join the fray with their heavier, more explorative new sound.
Refusing to compromise on the colossal atmospheres they’re known for, LOST IN KYIV return with a far more direct, raw sound which incorporates more electronics and hefty RUSSIAN CIRCLES style riffs. After the short, ominous intro track Enlightened, the album begins in earnest with a jolt of energy on Burst, an almost seven minute instrumental metal piece which sways effortlessly from ferocious chugs to swirling, synth-infused ambience without losing any momentum or outstaying its welcome. Although We’re All Going To Be Fine is unlikely to win over any mainstream rock listeners, the Arctangent crowd is sure to love its eclectic yet natural mix of sounds.
While much of their previous work has leant closer to airy and dramatic post-rock, LOST IN KYIV’s latest album takes them further into chaotic and overwhelming post-metal territory. Tracks like Mantra, with its fuzz-fuelled opening riff and electronic percussion, or Euphoria, which builds up steadily around a CARPENTER BRUT style arpeggiated synth before crashing down to earth with a cathartic and theatrical finale, really show the band’s willingness to push their own boundaries. Despite not stretching the limits of post-rock as much as some of the genre’s more eccentric acts, LOST IN KYIV explore plenty of sounds beyond their usual oeuvre.
Through the heavy riffs and electronic complexity of We’re All Going To Be Fine, LOST IN KYIV manage to find time to slow things down. The track Becoming pushes the band into the background, centring I HӒXA and ANAVAE vocalist Rebecca Need-Menear and her ethereal, captivating voice with LOST IN KYIV providing an appropriately angsty and labyrinthine backdrop filled with wavering clean guitars and lush synths. While more than capable of carrying a track on their own, LOST IN KYIV demonstrate their ability to play tasteful and restrained counterpoint to a vocalist.
2026 is bound to go down in history as a standout year for the post-rock and post-metal genres and LOST IN KYIV are certainly making their mark on the year. We’re All Going To Be Fine captures the explorative, dense sounds of post-rock while allowing the Parisian quartet to test the boundaries of the genre.
Rating: 7/10
We’re All Going To Be Fine is set for release on June 19th via Pelagic Records.
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