Auric Echoes releases brand new album

With a sound built on ambient layers, electronic sounds and post punk aesthetic all delivered via the precision and free-flowing vibe of jazz, West Virginia-based Auric Echoes offers a truly original sound. Formed in 2017 by bassist, vocalist and lyricist Conner Rush, Auric Echoes began as a solo project but has since evolved into a quartet of talented musicians.

With Jonah Henthorne on drums, Jacob Noska on guitar and multi-instrumentalist Erwin Dorawinville, the band draws on their individual sonic skill and shared musical vision to craft a sound that’s entirely their own. Inspired by avant-garde acts like black midi, Radiohead and Squid, Auric Echoes were quick to share their sound with the world after starting the project, dropping their debut EP, Out Among the Trees, on Christmas day 2017.

Since then, they’ve released multiple singles and records that have won over fans and tastemakers alike all around the world. Their latest release, Division for Human Ascension, is their brand new third album that provides the perfect snapshot of their constantly evolving sound.

Thematically revolving around ideas of anxiety, existentialism and relatable life experiences across ten tracks, the new record sees the band explore more experimental and chaotic territories. Drawing influences from The Drones, black midi and other post punk and DIY acts, Auric Echoes expands their song structures and crosses the fringes of the musical landscapes they’re previously covered.

From the outset, the record immerses listeners in a dystopian tale that feels eerily close to reality. The album’s concept is set to a post-humanism context, existential dread the over-reliance on technology and digital consciousness. This thematic exploration is matched by the band’s unique sound, which refuses to be boxed into any one genre of style in particular.

Opened by “I See Smoke,” the drifting electronic textures are met with distant processed vocal elements to form a brief intro piece that slips the listeners into the new musical world that Auric Echoes have created. “Ballad of Malcolm” sees the band raise the energy with the rattle of percussive shots launching a wild avant-garde piece of dancing sax leads and hazy sonic tones that swells into a high-octane experimental rap rock experience. Across the eight and a half minutes, they serve up a raucous sonic journey that deftly balances sonic dissonance and the thread of accessible melodic ideas, perfectly capturing their innovative sound.

“Multiplicity” starts with the patter of percussive shots and instrumental tones before gliding into a smokey soundscape built on the strike of drums, sparse vocal lines with hushed deliver and intricate blend of guitar and woodwind textures. With another display of their thoroughly unique sound, it’s an intense piece that builds towards a cacophony crescendo where the musical elements collide into an explosive burst of rousing sonic energy.

Revealing the diversity on the record, “All Your Bets in All the Wrong Places” slows things down with a lilting rhythm and soft plucked guitar notes as Conner’s rich voice stitches delicate melodies into the gently swaying fabric of the song. Other highlights on the record include songs like “Body Song” which brings the energy and intensity back with a forward-thinking punk inspired flurry of splashing drums, crunching guitars and commanding vocals.

Closing the album with “…When He Found Me at the Hotel Bar,” the band presents another expansive musical adventure that starts with the soft tones of guitars and saxophone as the song gradually develops into a post rock scene. Above the steady strike of drums, Conner spins moody melodic leads to bring together another astonishing example of their sound as the song develops to an eruption of musical energy capped by impassioned vocals and driving drums and instrumentation. From start to finish, Division for Human Ascension offers a thrilling listening experience that showcases the band’s endless songwriting creativity and musicianship panache via a record that flows through multiple styles and moods while remaining gripping and cohesive throughout.

Listen to Division for Human Ascension below