A lovely kind of existence

There are only so many routes that can be taken when it comes to instrumental sounds. Classical, trip-hop, smooth jazz and of course, post-rock, all find themselves direction often taken by artists. But there’s a trio that’s doing something entirely different in the instrumental rock realm. RLYR, pronounced “relayer,” touts the talents of Pelican’s Trevor de Brauw, Bloodiest and ex-Russian Circles bassist Colin DeKuiper and Locrian’s Steven Hess. They operate on a wavelength combining instrumental metal with the tender emotive energy of emo. On their newest album Actual Existence, RLYR evokes the strongest sense of sentiment, without the use of lyrics or vocals.

Actual Existence is only four songs long, but with a run time of 40 minutes, there’s enough time to become totally immersed. The title track opens everything up with an enthusiastic and wide-ranging atmosphere, with raw and power-filled riffage and a pounding drumming. Leading into “L.Layer,” the sophomore track’s slightly more delicate (but still aggressive) approach offers a deeper insight into RLYR’s understanding of exactly how to use instrumentation in evocation. None of the tracks can be considered mellow or slow, but “L.Layer” is the closest to offering softer touch.

In comparison, “Vacancy” is reminiscent of RLYR’s former tourmates Deafheaven. It’s like all of Sunbather without George Lesage’s shrill vocality; refreshing in its lack that type of harshness, yet still fitting in its execution. 

“Artificial Horizons” rounds out Actual Existence, ending it on the most perfect of notes. Each can somehow be classified with different elements all within the instrumental designation, though none of those elements really find themselves being that related to each other. There’s melodicism, definite emo tendencies a la Reggie and the Full Effect, and a sheer metal capacity that underlies the general calmer sense of it all. 

To be their second album, RLYR’s members confidently convey their past efforts into their present. Actual Existence is a feel-good album in every sense, and while there aren’t any lyrics to log into memory, its sounds will stay in the mind for a long time.