Slift is a band that has slowly but surely gained an ever-growing fan base based largely on their outstanding live concerts. Though the records have been quite good, they just haven’t lived up to the incredible stage performances. Ilion, released on Sub-Pop records recently, brings it all together. The technical proficiency is off the charts on this double LP. The trio from Toulouse, France, makes more music as a three-piece than most 5 piece bands. Ilion is no exception. Slift combines prog and stoner rock elements with bits of metal and psych to create a dense sonic assault on the ears. The songs on Ilion contain less alternative and punky vibes than Ummon, their previous LP, and earlier releases. Still, they do carry a similar theme as the band states that both Ilion and Ummon were loosely based on the two great works by Homer, “The Odyssey” for Ummon and “The Iliad” for Illion.
The eight tracks on Illion cover a lot of ground, but the band picks up the heaviness from the get-go. The 11-minute title track kicks things off with intense drumming and the usually screaming-type lyrics. Electronics are worked into the fray amongst the stellar guitar work and pounding bass rhythm. “Nimh” follows at a similar frenetic pace with great bass runs. “The Words That Have Never Been Heard” follows the same formula before switching things up with the saxophone intro “Confluence” and a slightly less abrasive style that leans a bit more to space jazz. I am left wondering if this piece was influenced by their outstanding collaborative performance with Etienne Jaumet at Roadburn a couple of years ago. “Confluence” is a clear standout track here. “Weavers’ Weft” brings us into the fantasy realm with heavy doses of slower prog and medieval chants before bringing things up to Slift speed. “Uruk” is a slower, more prog-oriented tune with dark overtones and choral singing. This trend continues through “The Story That Has Never Been Told” before the closing tune “Enter The Loop” brings things to a slow dark experimental end.
Overall, the record is outstanding, and if you are not a fan of the later, more aggressive Slift, make sure you get yourself to side two, which amps up some of their classic sound and psych/prog credentials. I’m hoping I get to see this performed live, but it looks like they will have to get over to the USA if that happens, though I suspect with a release on Sub-Pop, there’s a pretty good chance of a nice extended US tour.
Available from Sub-Pop (USA) and most online mail orders elsewhere.
