Exploring Sunrot’s New EP: Passages
Release Overview
On January 24, New Jersey’s sludge metal outfit Sunrot unveiled their latest EP, titled Passages. This release follows closely on the heels of their 2023 full-length album, The Unfailing Rope, and is recorded during the same sessions. Clocking in at a concise 16 minutes, the EP features dedicated intro and outro tracks, with the latter incorporating a spoken word segment inspired by the visionary artist Sun Ra.
Musical Exploration
Collaborations and Contributions
One of the standout features of Passages is the collaboration with Dylan Walker, the vocalist from Full of Hell, who adds his intense vocal style to the track “The First Wound.” His pairing with vocalist Lex Santiago results in a powerful combination of throat-ripping screams that exemplify the raw energy of the EP.
Dynamic Soundscapes
The track “Sleep” showcases Sunrot’s exploration into more ambient and noisy territories, featuring contributions from Brandon Hill, the drummer of Cloud Rat. This track utilizes restrained percussion and screeching electronics to create a palpable tension, which is released in the following track, “Untethered.” With a haunting contribution from cellist Jack Carino, “Untethered” balances melody with discord, enhancing the EP’s overall atmosphere.
Closing Notes
Wrapping up the EP, the outro track “Ra” leaves listeners with an unsettling tone, serving as a fitting end to this sonic journey.
Concept and Intent
Sunrot articulates that Passages serves as a companion piece to their preceding works, effectively closing a significant chapter in their musical journey. As Lex Santiago shared with Decibel, “Passages is the closing chapter of a batch of songs that made up this release, our split with the amazing band Body Void and our album, The Unfailing Rope. One last harsh shriek into the void before turning inward to write again. We hope it serves as some catharsis to all those who want to scream with us.”
Availability
Passages is now available through Prosthetic Records, alongside their earlier release, The Unfailing Rope.
Conclusion
With Passages, Sunrot continues to forge their path within the sludge metal genre, offering listeners a brief yet impactful experience. The EP not only encapsulates their musical evolution but also sets the stage for future explorations. As fans absorb this latest release, they eagerly anticipate the band’s next chapter.
FAQs
When was Sunrot’s EP Passages released?
Sunrot’s EP Passages was released on January 24.
What themes are explored in the EP Passages?
The EP explores themes of catharsis and reflection, serving as a closing chapter to a series of songs that include their previous album and a split release.
Who collaborated with Sunrot on the EP?
Notable collaborations on the EP include Dylan Walker from Full of Hell and Brandon Hill from Cloud Rat, along with cellist Jack Carino.
How long is the EP Passages?
Passages is a short EP, running for approximately 16 minutes.
Where can I listen to Passages?
The EP is available on various streaming platforms and can be purchased through Prosthetic Records.