A new release that refuses to be pinned down by one defining genre.
With Desolë, Umlaut’s third full-length release, the Melbourne-based experimental, progressive outfit enters a bold new chapter marked by lineup changes, broader influences and an even deeper commitment to unpredictability. The addition of drummer Danny Heifetz brings a sharp new edge to the group’s evolving identity, and the result is a record that constantly shifts, surprises and never sits still for long.
To give just one genre to this album would be impossible; rooted loosely in the textures of ‘90s rock, Desolë stretches far beyond one simple category. Pop hooks emerge alongside jazz-like harmonies, avant-garde metal riffs, cinematic orchestration and moments of electronica. Rather than blending these elements into something uniform, the band allows them to clash against each other.
The second track in the album, “Happy Now,” stands as a clear example of this unpredictability. What starts with a mellow, jazzy groove gives way to heavy guitar-driven riffs, then swerves into glitchy electronic sequences. Shifts happen without warning, but never without purpose. That sense of instability fuels the album’s momentum and keeps the listener fully alert.
Production-wise, the album has a deep and layered quality that pulls everything closer. Background chatter, scattered voices and ambient noise give the impression of a party caught mid-spin: rowdy, immersive and charged with energy. The sound design invites full attention; every texture feels intentional and vividly placed.
The fourth track, “Cold Sore,” throws sharp contrasts into sharper focus. A back-and-forth between distorted, video game-like synths and heavier metal/rock blasts of sound creates a sort of musical ping-pong match. It’s a standout moment not just for its intensity, but for the way it highlights the band’s range and inventiveness. These are not just genre references, they’re tools, used with purpose and unpredictability.
Desolë isn’t concerned with cohesion in the traditional sense. Instead, it thrives on movement, contrast and a fearless refusal to play it safe. Umlaut has delivered something that feels alive in the truest sense, an ever-changing work that demands engagement and rewards it with constant discovery.
