I Leave You This by Overhead, The Albatross
Release Date: It’s out now! via Nice Weather For Airstrikes
"A masterclass in emotional storytelling through instrumental post-rock" - NottsRocks
When I reviewed "Your Last Breath" and “This Is Like Love” in October, it set me on an emotional instrumental rock journey that left me breathless. Now, with their complete album "I Leave You This" in my hands, I discover those singles was just the beginning of a profound musical odyssey spanning 70 minutes of masterfully crafted storytelling.
This time, I was prepared – or so I thought. With the recent and tragic passing of one of Nottingham's emerging artists, and friend, this album's themes struck an even deeper chord. Knowing the backstory that inspired these compositions, I understood this would be more than just an album; it's a narrative about loss, anguish, and ultimately, the celebration of life itself.
"Bridges the gap between grief and celebration with stunning musical precision" - NottsRocks
At its heart lies "Paul Lynch," a track named for a close friend whose presence was instrumental in the album's creation. Paul, best friend to band member David, was a constant companion during the writing process, his encouragement bringing the band back together after years apart. His legacy lives on through a cathartic chant that closes the song, inviting listeners to remember their own loved ones lost along life's journey.
The album opens with "A Letter," where Luke's voice breaks through with touching simplicity: "You took your first steps the other day, and it was beautiful." Against a delicate piano backdrop, this opening piece contemplates the future we're creating, reminding us that life's brevity makes love and relationships our most precious currencies.
"An album that demands to be experienced rather than merely listened to" - NottsRocks
Following the emotional punch of "Your Last Breath," "Welcome Home" emerges with crystalline guitar work and ethereal soundscapes, woven together with intimate voices from family and friends. At 1:25, the track transforms through synth and electronically distorted vocals, creating a haunting instrumental landscape that facilitates a complete emotional surrender.
"L'Appel du Vide" shifts gears with urgent drumbeats and string arrangements, showcasing the album's masterful sequencing. Its 3:20 mark brings a crescendo that demands attention before softening to allow for reflection, ultimately building to a beautifully chaotic conclusion.
The journey continues through "At Sea" and "Hibakusha" (Japanese for "bomb-affected-people"), each track building upon the narrative of love, loss, and determination. "Miss Na Kita" offers a spoken-word opening meditation on missing loved ones, while "This Is Like Love" presents East Asian-inspired vocals before evolving into an instrumental feast of layered synths and pulsating basslines.
"A profound meditation on love, loss, and the beautiful chaos of being alive" - NottsRocks
The aforementioned "Paul Lynch" arrives with the gut-wrenching line, "When people leave and have to go, it's too hard to say goodbye." Its electronic soundscapes and instrumental complexity mirror life's beautiful chaos, concluding with the powerful refrain, "Farewell to you, farewell my friend, farewell to you we'll meet again." The album closes with "A Letter 2," bringing the journey full circle with strings and intermittent spoken word, ending simply with "It's time to say goodbye."
Dublin's post-rock quartet has crafted something truly special here. Building on their 2016 debut "Learning To Growl" (which earned them an RTÉ Choice Music Prize Album of the Year nomination), this sophomore effort showcases their evolution while honouring their roots. The band – comprising Vinny Casey (guitar), Stevie Darragh (guitar/bass), Luke Daly (guitar/synths), and David Prendergast (piano/keyboard/Synths) with drums added by both Ben Garrett and Ben Wanders – has created an album that demands your undivided attention.
When "I Leave You This" has now dropped, clear your schedule, pour a glass of wine, light some candles, and let yourself be immersed in its beautiful narrative. This isn't just an album; it's a reminder to appreciate life, cherish our loved ones, and embrace the profound gift of being alive.
Album Release Show - November 23rd - The Workman’s Cellar Dublin - Get tickets
The album is out now! Check it out.
