There are few things in life as warming and mood-enhancing as a pleasant musical surprise. Be that an unexpected push on in terms of quality of a band, or a change of direction that suits in a way you hadn’t imagined, or a diversification of sound that leads to the producing of an album with a myriad of qualities and highlights that resolutely refuses to be “one defined thing”. Arcane Roots’ sophomore release Melancholia Hymns (Easy Life) is, I’m pleased to report, one of those warming and mood-enhancing pleasures.

This is a lighter album than some may have expected, predominantly reflective and minimalistic, and it suits Arcane Roots all the more, increasing the impact when they diversify or look for heavier moments, such as when the post-rock elaboration of the exquisite ‘Solemn’ needs somewhere to go, or when the excellent ‘Arp’ looks to spread its coda deep and dark. It’s an interesting approach to have a more commercial sound, while concurrently being uncompromising in song structure, and not focusing songs on choruses, but on build, emotion and pull.

An angelic vocal seeps over a lengthy, euphoric synth build before a gentle, beautiful opening track unfurls gradually. ‘Matter’ sweeps in next, tinges of Leprous and Karnivool as it gathers us up, depositing us on a rising wave of textures. The development in Andrew Groves’ voice is striking; here is a man now in full control of his tones and qualities, from the emotional delicacy of ‘Curtains’ – where previously he hadn’t fully dominated songs, here he is very much in control and working with the sumptuous music underneath – to the more powerful attack in the Muse-esque ‘Off The Floor’, one of the more straightforward arrangements and a standout track.

Whereas some long players rely on a thread of sound and style that ties everything together, Melancholia Hymns is prepared be a collection of excellent songs, each powerful in its own right, and as such that makes the album. An unbridled successful development and definite step forward from a band that had promised much in the past, but had not, to these ears, fully delivered a realized body of work. Arcane Roots have always had the ability to win you over eventually with their builds and grasp of dynamics, but now they’ve now worked out how to play and tease you, but keep you involved all the way through. The vulnerability and leap into electronica and synth-led music is a bold move, but the musicality and quality of Groves’ song-writing sees them carry out a mix of tender electronica, alternative rock, progressive metal, and post-rock with grace and class.

8.0/10

STEVE TOVEY