Hovering Shrikes - Bang Dust

Hovering Shrikes

Bang Dust
​self-released; 2021

3.7 out of 5

By My Nguyen

For over a decade poet-lyricist Ryan Wilson and multi-instrumentalist and sound designer Casey Frantum have been collaborating together to make works of art that lasts. Hovering Shrikes is the duo’s latest project where the two combine “their shared love of cinematic storytelling, post-punk musical libertinism and the cobbling together of disparate influences.” Though the pandemic has changed how they recorded (the band exchanged lyrics and soundbites over a flurry of cloud activity), their sound still maintains the same bedroom pop and indie rock feel of their previous endeavors. Their debut album Bang Dust, a 13-track collection sees the duo collaborating – virtually, this time – “to produce an album of story-driven post-punk that spans hot desert canyons, cool island poolsides, grey stormy rooftops and the long, lonely cosmos.” Keep in mind, if it’s an adventure that you’re going for, then this album is for you.
 
Bang Dust gets revving with “Starfields,” where the chiming of cathedral bells sets the stage for this impulsively cinematic release. Some shimmering guitars softly riff in the backdrop with sizzling drums as a spoken word piece is executed. On the chorus, the vocals are ignited with a more aggressive and go-getting vibe. A lot of times I was reminded of the band The Airborne Toxic Event. The vibe here feels very artsy and avant-garde, and I enjoyed all the experimental riffs. Driven guitars make for a wall of sound on “Invincible.” The drumming beat provides some jaunty rhythms. The combined vocal harmonies have a very spooky vibe like from the theme song to Munsters. The band seemed to be having fun here as the character-driven vocals create a very fun-loving haunted house feel. Some sparse guitar riffs sound out on “Summer Love.” Gradually, some punchy drums add some kick to this track. The vocals contain a ton of reverb, creating a very echo-y sound. More of the spooky vibes come across. For some reason, the distortion and reverb seemed to really work here. Also, feeling very psychedelic, there was also a retro-styled vibe that recalled a ‘60s and ‘70s rock feel. 
 
Starting off with more of that ominous vibe, the drums and percussions sizzle on the backdrop of “Nectarine,” making for a slow burning and simmering sound. The music then crescendos, welling up for a lush and harmonious vibe. At moments, this sounded similar to the type of music that David Bowie would make. Fuzzy and distorted guitars round out the sound on “Western Pulps, Gulf Shores.” As a drumming beat dances in, the vibe has a garage rock feel to it. More of the ominous-sounding vocals makes for an eerie and atmospheric appeal. There was a slightly punk flavor to this song that gave it a certain twist. Right from the get-go, the music rushes at you with an energized punk/psychedelic sound on “Faustine In The Machine.” Once the carnivalesque vocals come in, the music grows more pumped and revved. I enjoyed the delivery and pacing of this piece.
 
Off to a bouncy beat, the drone of the subdued vocals enters on “Deep Sleep Scrolls.” Once the guitars arrive, the sound becomes more melodic. The vocals had a slightly oddball feel to them. This added to the overall eccentricity of the track. The guitars and drums provide an upbeat and catchy sound on the backdrop to “Things I Regret.” The slightly morose vocals come through, giving this song a very new wave and ‘80s-inspired sound. I loved the jaunty rhythms and bouncy beats that really gave this track a great energy. Guitars roll in with a bouncy drumming beat on “Away From The Light.” The combined vocal layers provide more melodic harmonies, and I thought this dive away from their more spoken word performances in the vocals proved to be a more dynamic listen. I enjoyed the move towards a more indie rock sound here. The band ends the album on a more light-hearted vein with this breezy closer. 
 
Cinematic, artsy, experimental and moody, all these terms go on to describe Wilson and Frantum’s debut. Oftentimes honing into a sparse sound with accompanying spoken word vocals, Hovering Shrikes creates soundscapes filled with tons of mood and feelings. Once you close your eyes, a movie reel will begin to play in your head, and this will allow you to escape fully into another world. Most ideal with headphones on, once you enter the realm of Hovering Shrikes, a whole new universe will open up, as you fully immerse yourself in this intricate but pulsating world. Give this a spin!

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