Souvaris - Souvaris Souvaris

by Tom Fogarty

published: 11 / 11 / 2011

Label: Gringo Records
Format: CD

Intelligent and confident third album from Nottingham-based experimental and instrumental group, Souvaris

Review

Not the typical type of band that you’d expect to find in Nottingham, Souvaris are an instrumental five -piece who make inspired and thought-provoking music. Unlike many instrumental bands, Souvaris don’t use an extensive range of instruments, sticking to two guitarists, bass, synth, and drums; and yet still manage to create a wide variety of audio effects. Listening to a Souvaris album is a truly sonic experience. With ten years of experience, they sound like they have really found their form, and possibly – brimming with confidence – have chosen an eponymous title for their latest offering. They know what they are good at and they stick to this formula. To some extent the music could be described as experimental – but not in a pretentious and difficult sense. Self-titled eponym aside, they never sound cocky, but rather intelligent (in a non-condescending way). A subtle follow-up to 2007’s highly sublime 'A Hat', this time round the band have not tried to repeat or compete with their previous record, and have made an album on their own terms. Fresh, slick and inventive. What Souvaris make is some exceptional “mood music”. I can imagine putting this on after a long day to wind down. Or better still, as the soundtrack to a small mellow party, or a late night conversation with a friend. And I really don’t mean that in a derogatory way. This album could not feasibly be considered wallpaper. The album consists of only six tracks, each of about seven minutes duration. The opener, 'El Puto Amo', starts modestly but manages to draw you in, and flows seamlessly into the second track, 'Pibno'. The third track is a change of pace, and catches you off-guard with cutting guitars. For me this is the highlight of the album. From here on out, the album follows this tempo, and the last three tracks peak and trough but flow well from one to another. Closing number, 'Irrereversible', in some ways comes full circle and could meld back into track one if played in a loop. This spiralling nature works extremely well, and is a clear example of the talent on display here. Although this won’t be to everyone’s taste, 'Souvaris Souvaris' is well worth having a listen to. There is something here for everyone.