EP REVIEW: Thylacine – Orochen

OROCHEN are one of a special breed of bands for whom genre classifications feel inadequate. Post-rock/post-metal-meets-alternative-meets-folk is a start, but still feels like an oversimplification. Thylacine is the Swedish group’s third EP, and their second released this year. Written and recorded during coronavirus lockdown, it draws influence from artists as varied as CULT OF LUNA, NICK CAVE AND THE BAD SEEDS, and MONO. Thematically, the EP deals with the concept of “a world where humans and the environment are thought of as economic resources”. Named after the now-extinct striped Tasmanian tiger, on Thylacine the band ask their listeners: “Who is next in line?”

Despite the rather depressing subject matter, this EP isn’t as bleak as one might expect, in fact, it’s very melodic. Tracks like Burial Mounds and Inside The City feature catchy, alternative rock style vocal hooks. The lyrics may still be dark, but delivered in this manner they avoid becoming overly oppressive or gloomy. There are also several genuinely uplifting post-rock guitar-led sections, the end of Burial Mounds being a good example. Moments like these show that OROCHEN are as capable of creating beauty as they are at going dark or heavy.

That being said, OROCHEN are definitely at their best when they are at their most brooding. This is most clear from the EP’s second and third tracks, Drift Away and Inside The City. Both of these songs are highlights. The first has an almost tribal feel, with driving drums and percussion conjuring images of a viking procession. Distant guitars and dark vocals add to the mood, which later gives way to a heavier, rockier section. The next track continues the dark, driving feel, with more reverb drenched guitars and folksy percussion in the background. This gives way to more driving alternative rock, with the song’s title serving as the basis for an anthemic hook delivered with support from some strong female backing vocals. It’s an impressive track which shows off many of the things OROCHEN do so well.

It’s worth noting that some listeners may struggle with the vocals on Thylacine. With a strong 90s alternative sound reminiscent of someone like Billy Corgan, there are times when they can sound a little jarring. This may be down to the fact that such a vocal style is not common to many ‘post’ bands, if they even use vocals at all. There are also points where the lyrics can feel a little cheesy. Neither of these things should put listeners off. As an EP with such a novel sound, it stands to reason that things may feel a little alien at first. There is also an undeniable Nick Cave-esque cool to the way many of the lines are constructed and delivered – always a good thing.

It is on Thylacine‘s final track, The Jonestown Deathtape, that OROCHEN‘s post-metal influences are most clear. Preceding tracks do have moments of heaviness, but they never quite go full CULT OF LUNA like Jonestown does. This is most likely down to the guest vocals of Alex Stjernfelt, currently of Swedish sludge act NOVARUPTA. The track starts with a long, MONO-esque intro which features samples from the infamous tape the song is named after. After a couple of minutes, the band kick into some crushing riffing acommpanied by Stjernfelt’s savage vocals. It’s the heaviest OROCHEN have ever sounded, and a good final reminder of their impressive command of dynamics. If anything though, it’s a shame this track isn’t a little longer. At 3:44 it’s the shortest track on Thylacine, and it feels as though it ends before it has a chance to take the listener as far as it could.

It does feel as though OROCHEN have dialled down their folk influences a little on this EP, especially compared to its predecessor. While these influences aren’t completely absent, gone are many of the acoustic instruments heard on Mechanical Eyes. This is a little disappointing, as those instruments added an exciting element to OROCHEN‘s already fresh sound.

Often when music is difficult to describe it’s a sign of originality. While they may not land everything on Thylacine, OROCHEN are definitely an original band. With three creative, exciting EPs under their belt, there’s no question that they’re ready to put out a full-length. When they do, it will be well worth checking out.

Rating: 7/10

Thylacine is out now via Suicide Records.

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