Apse
THU May 20 9:45 pm Konvikt / ramparts / concertAPSE / USA
Robert Toher guitar, vocals
Michael Gundlach guitar
John Mordecai bass guitar
Jed Armour guitar
Brandon Collins drums
Daniel Sobo other instruments, vocals
discography
2001 Untitled EP
2002 Cloud EP
2003 Three Dialogues EP
2005 Apse EP
2006, 2008 Spirit
2009 Eras
2009 Climb Up
An atmospheric post-rock storm influenced by Sigur Rós and the classics of alterative music headed by Pink Floyd in the Sid Barrett period and Animal Collective's wackiness. Music as one long, neverending catharsis. Vast atmospheric layers, complex harmonies and slow gradation, so typical of Apse's compositions so far, are joined by more transparent guitar riffs and rhythmic parts on the new releases, and so the band has moved from dark waters into much lighter spaces. Despite the new, more understandable expression, the eclectic band hailing from Connecticut, USA, still retains its trademark of volatile, irritating charm and authenticity. Due to the notoriety of their wild gigs, Apse have signed to the enterprising British ATP (All Tomorrow's Parties) agency which had made a name for itself by the eponymous cult festival series.
A massive leap forward...dominated by a refusal to grasp the rules.
Clash
Electrifying... Another singular album from a singular band.
Under The Radar
Stark and efficient... sets this band apart from any contemporaries.
Boomkat
A compelling listen.
Uncut
An unrelenting dark Pandora's Box of Delights.
NME
Thought provoking, challenging and at times horribly beautiful, this is recommended without reservation.
RockSound
Apse open the doors to several worlds at once: cuddly disco breaks out of the shell of shoegaze riffs, dub with ambient elements arches out of punk vocals. Really anything seems to fit under the vault of Apse – and yet the ensuing feeling does not smell of playing to the gallery or cold calculation.
Aleš Stuchlý, Czech Radio – Radio Wave