Exek - Some Beautiful Species Left LP (SDZ, Anti-Fade, Digital Regress)
This
Australian outfit has been quite productive over the last couple of years. I
first heard them on their split with Spray Paint on Homeless Records. To be
honest, I never gave their side of the split that much of a chance. A quick
glance at Discogs shows that Exek hasn’t sat still since the release of said split
7”. Apart from a good number of cassettes, the band has put out 3 12”s of which
Some Beautiful Species Left is the most recent and the first I hear.
Exek plays a style I’m not entirely
comfortable with labeling. They combine dub and post-punk, which makes me think
of compatriots Cured Pink. This band exists on an artistic plane, is almost
conceptual and brings to mind late night philosophical discussions about aesthetics
in art school dormitories. The group takes its time to set up a song. As songs
progress layers are added to the bare bones beginning of each track, consisting
of stripped down drums and minimal synth and/or guitar chords. The guitar sounds
as if the listener is perceiving it underwater. Occasionally a trumpet is heard.
The vocals seem to be coming from far far away and are delivered without either
emotion or vigour. Lyrics are included on the back of the sleeve. What are the
songs about? Hard to tell. The lyrics come across as deliberately vague. I don’t
know whether they are supposed to be idiosyncratic or whether I’m just missing what’s
going on. Overall the tone seems rather negative although I’d be hard pressed
to explain why. The chorus to ‘How the Curve Helps’: ‘Bout an hour ago/About
an hour ago/ I should have left’ is identical to thoughts I’ve had had on many
occasions.
Some Beautiful Species Left has a dreamlike quality. It’s experienced as if in a haze, as if half asleep, as if only partly conscious. The songs meander and go nowhere, which annoyed me the first couple of times I played this record. However, after several listens I got more into Exek’s songwriting skills. There’s a lot happening in the 8 tracks delivered, but one needs to listen closely to grasp it. At no point does Exek demand the listener’s attention. It’s almost as if the band does not care whether you actively listen to their music. They’re fine with being in the background, creating a soundtrack to whatever it is you’re doing, whatever is happening in your life. Those paying attention however, will be captivated or at the very least fascinated by what this band is doing. Your call whether you feel inclined to do so.
Hear it here: https://exek.bandcamp.com/album/some-beautiful-species-left
Some Beautiful Species Left has a dreamlike quality. It’s experienced as if in a haze, as if half asleep, as if only partly conscious. The songs meander and go nowhere, which annoyed me the first couple of times I played this record. However, after several listens I got more into Exek’s songwriting skills. There’s a lot happening in the 8 tracks delivered, but one needs to listen closely to grasp it. At no point does Exek demand the listener’s attention. It’s almost as if the band does not care whether you actively listen to their music. They’re fine with being in the background, creating a soundtrack to whatever it is you’re doing, whatever is happening in your life. Those paying attention however, will be captivated or at the very least fascinated by what this band is doing. Your call whether you feel inclined to do so.
Hear it here: https://exek.bandcamp.com/album/some-beautiful-species-left
