When I noticed UpcDowncLeftcRightcabc+start’s album was up for review I picked it out as fast as I could. There are a number of reasons why; firstly, I love post-rock and everything associated with it. Secondly, UpcDowncLeftcRightcabc+start are one of my favourite band names, possibly because the video game geek in me gets the reference. ‘Tertiary’, I fucking love post-rock! So I was pretty excited to get going with ‘Calaveras’, the band’s third (fourth if you include ‘Embers’) album.

The album opens with the electro-infused ‘Skynet’, a nice Terminator reference but also sounds like it should be in the movie. This is followed by ‘Sons of the Desert’, which begins with something of a resemblance to Pelican’s more melodic efforts, but slowly builds to crashing intensification with much heavier, darker guitar riffs. Also surprisingly short, at a mere 4 minutes 15 seconds. In the very next song, however, UpcDownc (as they shall now be shortened to) really kick in to gear.

‘Wolves in the Walls’ grabs your attention instantly like a swift kick to the danglies. Some impressive screams of the title, surrounded by a pretty chunky bassline lure you in immediately. As with most post-rock songs, it’s all crescendos and diminuendos, but you’re still hooked in the slower parts and are thoroughly rewarded with the expertly polished second half of this song. I’m looking forward to hearing this live, because I’m sure it’ll sound incredible.

After that ball buster, the album takes a change in direction with ‘Roman Horses’. The delightful acoustic guitars, playful banjo and vocal harmonies prove there’s more than meets the eye (or ears) to these post-rock stalwarts. It doesn’t last however, and is followed by a tremendous change with the track ‘Monumental Mood Shift’. A song that does exactly what it says, and the juxtaposition between this and the previous track doesn’t feel forced, infact almost necessary. This track really epitomises the genre, and how a song can grow and create an atmosphere that is so absorbing you can’t help but get caught up in it.

We come next to ‘Spectral Fires’, a short yet whimsical effort with the returning electro feel, but combined with the heavenly guitar it’s far from pointless. This track is followed by ‘Christmas ‘86’ which is, if not quite an ode, certainly a tip of the hat in the general direction of Explosions in the Sky. I know, I know, a comparison to Explosions was inevitable, but it certainly has that ambiance about it. That something can resemble Explosions is never a bad thing people.

The penultimate track on ‘Calaveras’ is ‘(The Plains) Skeletal’, complete with unnecessary parentheses. I wanted to avoid making comparisons to other bands, but I couldn’t help it, the opening of this has Red Sparowes all over it. Again, not entirely a bad thing. The lyrics are lost somewhat in the crashing symbols and catchy riffs; however it’s another fine example of why UpcDownc has lasted for over a decade in a pretty uncompromising genre. The album closes with ‘Skynet (reprise)’, complete with necessary parentheses. Back with the electro feel, it does round off the album with a sense that it’s gone full circle, tying it all up in a neat bow.

For post-rock lovers, it’s been an excellent year for new releases. From the previously mentioned Explosions in the Sky, to the deceptively dark cacophonies of ‘Tunnel Blanket’ by This Will Destroy You, and of course our very own sexy bastards Mogwai. All wonderful bands with outstanding albums, and whilst UpcDownc don’t quite have the same standing within the genre as they do, ‘Calaveras’ certainly doesn’t look out of place alongside them on your playlist.

Iain Valentine