Arcane Roots
Landslide EP


4.5
superb

Review

by Kayla (Mardorien) USER (14 Reviews)
September 14th, 2018 | 16 replies


Release Date: 2018 | Tracklist

Review Summary: A fitting end to an incredible era

”It is with heavy hearts, that we announce the end of this chapter of Arcane Roots.”

On the Third of September 2018, Arcane Roots announced through every channel they could that the band was breaking up. While I and many others were saddened by this apparently out-of-the-blue announcement, somehow it makes sense. Arcane Roots as we knew them, until the last year or so, were synonymous with complex, heavy math-rock and have slowly completed a U-turn to what we know today; an emotionally rich, diverse-sounding band, in which each song they make could go for subtle, electronic-heavy emotionality or for a refined version of the mathcore from Blood & Chemistry (‘Everything [All At Once]’)

’Don’t you think it’s already over¿’

Their breaking up is possibly the most important thing to consider when listening to this EP. It helps to explain the songs; how three are an electronic redux of pieces off Melancholia Hymns, majorly (or almost solely) composed and performed by Andrew Groves; and how the fourth, the title track, is musically the strongest track Arcane Roots have ever performed. It marks the end of the 180-degree turn for the band, the final step towards becoming a different band altogether from what they started as back in 2006.

’Don't think I'll ever forget all that I ever saw’

Where Melancholia Hymns was a mile away and yet just around the corner from their previous work, the Landslide EP is similarly a mile away and yet closely related to their 2017 LP. Asides from the obvious, the subject matter in the lyrics throughout this EP continues similarly, a more omniscient perspective on relevant issues of our time, but the music is almost purely electronic, the most divisive element of their 2017 masterpiece. After Landslide, I was expecting three similar songs, so when they released ‘Matter [revel]’ it was admittedly a shock to the system. Slow, meandering, the antithesis of what defined Arcane Roots. No hint of guitars, no hint of (acoustic) drums. The melodies of the chorus the only obviously similar aspect to the original song, it sounds less like a remix, and more like an entirely new track. It hardly even sounds like the same band, asides from Groves’ distinctive vocals.

’What can I say, to stay¿’

The beauty in this EP is that it not only works on its own, but it finishes off Melancholia spiritually and musically. ‘Before Me [Over]’ is the closest we’re going to get to an Arcane Roots piano ballad; ‘Off The Floor [Fade]’ sounds more like the “new” Arcane Roots version of the original, ‘Off The Floor’ which was arguably the most Left Fire-esque song on their 2017 EP. All of this with lyrics that continue to explore the same topics as the original tracks; for example what I think of as a compassionate view on refugees and immigrants in ‘Off the Floor’ and its Landslide counterpart.

’Will you show them something like they've never heard of¿’

The objectively correct word for the composition and musicality in this EP is... I suppose “underwhelming” if you’re used to Arcane Roots’ more full-on breakdown type music. Or, maybe even any of their previous work. But, with a little time, it really settles in as the subtle EP it is; what it may be lacking in shredding guitar riffs and emotive harsh vocals, it makes up for with the heartfelt and honest performance of Andrew Groves (perhaps his best to date), and the perfect production and composition of the tracks. ‘Matter [Revel]’ is the most lo-fi, never raising to the shattering heights of the original, while ‘Before Me [Over]’ is completely different in composition and slightly more like ‘Indigo’ than ‘Before Me’. ‘Off The Floor [Fade]’ uses the same semiquaver click to introduce it, and then springboards off to a completely different place. Which is even more impacting than the original.

’So don’t you save a single breath for me when I’m gone.’

Arcane Roots have run their long and fruitful course as a whole and this EP shows them reaching their destination creatively and musically. It may be that they want to go in different directions creatively, as Groves appears to have a sudden liking (and talent) for electronic music. It may be for some other reason. Nevertheless, I wish them all the best in their future endeavours. They deserve it, after this incredible 12 years. And you never know, maybe some day we will see them come together again.



Recent reviews by this author
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user ratings (56)
3.7
great


Comments:Add a Comment 
Mardorien
September 14th 2018


96 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0

I would have honestly rated this a 4.8, because it's so damn perfect. This is such an amazing EP, maybe even better than Melancholia Hymns musically. It's mesmerising.

Dewinged
Staff Reviewer
September 14th 2018


32179 Comments


I was just listening to Matter. Shame they split. Good review, pos'd.

Digging: Kelly Lee Owens - Dreamstate

JS19
September 14th 2018


7777 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0

I wish this was better because I like the direction

sizeofanocean
September 14th 2018


3488 Comments


I have a feeling they will reunite in the not so distant future (say 4-5 years), but the question is whether their work then will live up to any of their older EPs or LPs

inthox
September 14th 2018


260 Comments


sad bout the split but mb they felt theyve said everything (musically). will def listen to this

PistolPete
September 14th 2018


5306 Comments

Album Rating: 3.5

Great review! Been listening but this'll need some time. The longer songs are so much more sprawling and harder to absorb than their normal stuff for me.

Mardorien
September 14th 2018


96 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0

inthox - maybe. It's a shame, I think this direction has some amazing possibilities. But since this seems to be mainly Andrew Groves' work, I think it would be a better solo project now.



PistolPete - I agree on how sprawling they are, it took me a few listens to digest it all properly. Same with the melodies; first off, I thought they weren't as catchy as usual, but they grow on you slowly.

tcat84
September 15th 2018


1341 Comments


I dunno, I'm disappointed all the way around, I was just sort of into this band before Melancholia Hymns and it knocked my socks off and made me appreciate their older stuff. this was ok but not the direction I want the band to go... but I guess it doesn't matter if they broke up.


DrGonzo1937
Staff Reviewer
September 15th 2018


18497 Comments

Album Rating: 3.0

I hate to say it, but this EP is a little dull.

Faraudo
September 15th 2018


4789 Comments

Album Rating: 4.5

I already miss them tbh

JS19
September 15th 2018


7777 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0

If they had done the electronic angle well I would have welcomed it with open arms. This just sort of exists I guess

SitarHero
September 16th 2018


14792 Comments


Nice review and smart idea using the upside down question marks. Those spanish punctuation marks always stress me out though, cos what if I don't know if a sentence is going to be an exclamation or a sentence before I even start writing it?!

deanince
October 6th 2018


2 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0

Really good EP which doubles up as perfect concentration music for me because of the chilled vibes the tracks give off. Personally I would have put Landslide as the opening track but who am I to say?!

Ecnalzen
June 2nd 2019


12167 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0

This is pretty

RabbitSeason
April 15th 2021


130 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0

The final track really pulls my heartstrings. Really amazing transition to electronic that I guess is mostly the vocalist's doing. Hope Groves makes more music in the future

MyMentality
September 13th 2022


1574 Comments


Still gutted these guys are no more. Just glad I caught them live a handful of times throughout their career. Felt like these guys were only just getting started.



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