Last month we had the pleasure of premiering the insanity that was Rooms‘ video for Fig. It was a wild fever dream of a video, even now I have difficulty comprehending what transpires in those four minutes. If one had to use words to describe that video (rather than the natural screams of shock), then manic, epic and intoxicating would feel right. As it is, the video for Fig was only a teaser for what was to come when the boys released their EP.
Sydney two-piece Rooms offer up an exciting and suitably epic EP on Fig. Capturing themes of isolation and change it’s the folk music of electronica.
Also titled Fig, the EP is a journey to an entirely different plane of existence than the one you and I exist on. It’s a place that exists in its own pocket universe, governed by its own fundamental laws. Left is right, up is down, cats and dogs are living together. It’s a world that is completely on its own level.
Consisting of Stuart Melvey and Declan O’Doherty, Rooms give us a series of soundscapes that ebb and flow in a way that only electronic music can. As metal is in the realm of rock, the trippy electronica shown off here is the perfect avenue to explore larger than life themes such as mortality, isolation and existentialism.
I know what you’re saying, “You’re reading too much into this“, but rest assured those feelings are there. Title track Fig sets the precedent with its sweeping synths and shrill sounds. It’s moody as hell as the instrumental song continues to build its intensity without the need of any vocals. Finding their voice on track two, the vocals on Lowlands boasts some In Rainbows Thom Yorke vibes. It’s so uncanny you’d think it was the one and a half-eyed British singer who was in front of the mic. The vocals croon with a flutter of introspection and are laced with an air of rebellion.
This trend continues throughout the rest of the EP. Sabian is the highlight of the whole affair. The vocals and instruments come together with ease, like a rainy day and warm cup of tea. Not as intense as the other tracks, the primal beat lends the track plenty of space as the vocals weave themselves throughout. It captures that epic quality with ease and subtlety, catching the unwary listener off-gurad as it lands the surprise finishing hit.
I’d imagine this is the kind of EP you’d want to play when reading Where The Wild Things Are to your child. It attacks the senses in an overwhelming manner yet still embellished with enough nuance to inspire the imagination. This is electronic music’s answer to folk, and man it is a satisfying journey to take.
