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Listening Notes: Playlist Clearance Vol. 7

The cleanup isn’t finished yet, but I think it’s time for an update—or at least a short break after this. So here are six releases from Playlist Clearance, Volume 7:

Akito Tabira – Radio Tower (2022)

63%
Maybe the idea behind the field recordings—with occasional bursts of synth noise—is meant to represent radio waves captured by a device. Unfortunately, the expected ambient flow never forms a cohesive concept; instead, each of the three tracks feels like an alternative version of the previous one, which adds to the disappointment. The output is also rather minimal, forcing me to crank up the volume just to hear it properly.

So, this Akito Tabira release will probably sit near the bottom of Umé Records’ catalog for me—alongside releases like Dravier’s Light Recalls Our Landmark For This Barren Mind.

Highlight: –

An Tóramh – Echoes of Eternal Night (2025)

68%
A debut album from a funeral doom metal band from Minnesota. Emotional weight only starts to emerge around “Desolation” and onward, but the deep growl vocals blend into the somewhat rough recording, leaving little that truly sinks into the soul. The formula is also quite monotonous—so overall, it feels rather bland. That might explain why I couldn’t get around to reviewing An Tóramh at the end of last year.

Fans of Shape of Despair, Thergothon, and Frowning may find it more fitting.

Highlight: Desolation

Lord Symphony – Bima Suci (2011)

70%
Next up is an EP containing three older tracks from Bharatayuda Part 1 plus one new song, “Pandawa,” from this Surakarta power metal unit. As mentioned before, Lord Symphony seems to be reworking old material rather than crafting something truly new—which is a shame considering how strong their potential was, especially in 2011 when the scene still felt quite open. Even the new track comes off rough and lacking melodic support—more like an uncolored outburst.

Highlight: everything except Pandawa

S:t Erik – From Under the Tarn (2009)

73%
The name S:t Erik first appeared for me on Solitude Productions’ 15th anniversary compilation through the track “The Search,” which happens to be from this album. Turns out, that track remains the standout here, although the overall release still feels stronger than Sunnata’s debut. The psychedelic elements are more pronounced too, fitting its psychedelic stoner/doom metal direction.

In the end, that flagship track still hasn’t been topped, and the rest may be best skipped for now.

Highlight: The Search

Summer Effects – Pangalengan (2013)

73%
ReverbNation has become something of an archive for many bands and artists out there—especially from Indonesia. True or not, this band feels somehow connected to the instrumental post-rock act Summer Effect from Bekasi. However, there’s no information on their profile mentioning Pangalengan or any name change, so it’s likely a completely different project.

Here, the band uses a more standard formula with vocals, making the sound lean toward alternative/post-rock. It was definitely surprising, though I still find myself appreciating the music more than the vocal approach. Stylistically, it reminds me of local bands like Heima and Sajama Cut.

Highlight: Hujan, Elok Pun Larat, I Feel Summer in the Mountain

Sunnata – Chasing Shadows (2024)

74%
Ten years after Climbing the Colossus and several albums later, Sunnata remains consistent in delivering conceptual structures—this time in a fairly long release.

Instead of desert vibes, I get a South Asian flavor here—especially in “Saviour’s Raft” and “The Tide.” “Chimera” works well as an opening hook with fast strikes, but the closing track—with its electronic beats portraying time distortion—leaves a somewhat uncomfortable impression. If you’re looking for a banger, try “Hunger,” although the heavier riffs only appear toward the final minutes.

Highlight: Chimera, Wishbone, Saviour’s Raft, Hunger
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