ÅHM (the Swedish duo from Linköping) make alt rock with a distinctly unstable vibe. Their six track EP “The Mechanics of Falling Apart” is a blend of grunge, post-rock and post-metal, with the drums and guitars recorded in a very free form so that the tempo is dictated by the performance. That’s the approach that works for a record that’s all about power, political disenchantment, grief and personal disintegration. Even in the quieter moments there’s a sense of tension.
“Rotors” kicks off with a real appetite for a number of different kinds of rock. The pop rock accessibility is in direct opposition to the experimental elements and there’s a real slick punk edge to it which keeps the song going. It’s a very enjoyable opener in that the various elements give it character and drive. ÅHM establish their melodic instincts right from the off and the more heavy stuff that comes in afterwards is very much a development of that initial statement.
Grunge, Tension, Collapse
-PurpleMistress
On “They Drain’ the sound thickens considerably and the vocals become very ragged indeed, very much in the Nirvana camp. The punk and grunge link is very much in evidence here with the performance turning that restless energy into something quite abrasive. In comparison to the stylistic shift on the opener it’s a very direct confrontation and one that’s delivered with a very satisfying degree of vocal friction.
‘Ash of the Sermon – Alt Version” goes absolutely metal. The long, expectant intro builds its case and the ensuing explosion is very much worth it. It’s a wild ride in terms of dynamics and is by far the heaviest track on the EP. It’s the big early peak of the sequence and there’s absolutely no lack of space to work with in the aftermath.
That comes via “You Will Yield To Me’ a slow rock ballad in terms of its alternative textures it’s a very welcome change of pace. After such a ferocious run of songs you need that measured approach to let you take in the sheer weight of what’s gone before.
“Memorial Garden – Alt Version” is where the intensity really kicks in with some muscular alternative rock and heavy vocals, setting the stage for “Fall Apart”. Over the next seven minutes the closer pulls all of the EP’s contrasting elements together into a more expansive arrangement, incorporating some shoegaze and a bit of the more experimental.
The sequencing of the pieces is what makes these changes work. ÅHM are very much in tune with the way a gruelling section can be given impact by a more subdued one, and how melody can be used to tie a very long finale to all that has gone before. It’s a confident, physically involving record.
