Una Corda

They're from Birmingham. They're kinda post-rock, kinda prog-rock, kinda metal-ish, kinda more melodic than any of those categories may suggest. Anyway, their EP Proper Position for Floating [1881] is available and getting some good responses. Found this one today from MetalReview by Matt Mooring:

Not only is Una Corda responsible for sending through our doors the latest in what has been an usually steady stream of instrumental albums, but more relevantly, the band joins a substantial list of like minded colleagues whom have left a MetalReview writer duly impressed. In fact, off the top of my head I’d guess that this year’s crop of instrumental albums has earned a better win/dud record than their voiced counterparts, which is no mean feat for a style of music usually regarded with at least some modicum of suspicion. Bands like Pelican and Red Sparowes are starting to change that way of thinking, and Una Corda have wisely struck while the iron is hot, weighing in with a debut effort that features an atmospheric post-rock that should be a hit with fans of The Fire in Our Throats Will Beckon the Thaw and At the Soundless Dawn. Una Corda will also appeal to fans of indie acts like Mogwai and Godspeed You! Black Emperor, who are similar in spirit, if not always in execution.

Una Corda hail from Birmingham, UK, and the self released Proper Position for Floating (1881) is the band’s first effort. The five piece curiously features two bassists, who typically play in different octaves (remember Ned’s Atomic Dustbin? Oh, well, anyway, they had two bassists). The four songs on the twenty-three minute EP are essentially untitled, only referred to as “One” through “Four”. The band’s addictive airy, melancholy post-rock meditations indicate that Una Corda may soon receive some visits from labels. Other than Fall of the Idols’ Agonies Be Thy Children, this is the best self released album I’ve heard this year. Not that it sounds like a homemade job, the production is outstanding for an unsigned effort.

I think the Mogwai comparisons are probably a good guide as I have a fondness for their melodic noisescapes. There are further reviews here and here [ignore the gripe about titling the songs with numbers]. Pete Ashton of course gives them mucho praise, but do not let the fact that he knows the band deceive you: Pete would not give praise if it wasn't worth it. Una Corda ARE worth it.