Sep 4, 2016
(Rioverse Recordings)
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(Rioverse Recordings)
ALBUM REVIEW: I/O - Saudade
Written by Ahti Arumetsa
Label: self-released Artwork: Roberto Rios Year: 2014 Bandcamp | Facebook The term Saudade originates from Portuguese and while it doesn’t have an exact equivalent in English it describes a state of deep nostalgic or melancholic longing for something which is absent. Saudade is the love which remains from passing people and places, a recollection of feelings and experiences in one's past. The album artwork portrays the same mood, an empty house with broken windows facilitating nothingness and the fallen leaves of autumn reminiscing the passing colors of summer. Everything going their own way. This collection of longings and yearnings is beautifully put together by a fresh instrumental-rock quintet I/O from Boston, Massachusetts. Their sound rings of influences from post-rock, ambient music and math-rock. Saudade is completely instrumental work, there is no trace of human voice on the recordings. Still, the taste of human yearning is present in its every aching current and is beautifully carried through with tasteful instrumentation and polished timbres of the guitars. Bass grooves are absolutely staggering here, offering warm, lush and melodic lines underneath the cascade of guitarwork. Tracks are actually arranged in a way that it comes apparent that all the members of the band are feeling comfortable on their respective instruments. Although the concept of ambiance is well rehearsed by I/O (and really, the album lights up the room with its vivid colors and moods), the vibe of Saudade is very spontaneous and youthful. Instead of relying on developing single motifs, I/O playfully twists and turns the songs along their creative narrative. Using intensive rhythmic variations and sudden dynamic changes to keep the progression of the album stirring. However it’s not only the band’s instrumental capacities that provoke the listener, but also the emotional ones. Saudade offers variations of possibilities (and impossibilities) of its recurring theme, but the full spectrum of possibilities can only be met once the listener starts to relate him or herself to the album, and with that the band leaves it to you - “it’s as much yours as it is ours.”