Single Review: R

Domes are a three piece space metal band based somewhere between London, Australia and New Zealand. Their sound is atmospheric and doomy yet ethereal and melodic – the band describes it as “Heavy music that is forward looking”. Domes’ creative process draws on the compositional capabilities of all band members, in a kind of cloud collaborative that culminated in the capturing of a record, on board an 80 year old heritage vessel moored on the river Thames.

R is the band’s latest single, a melancholic march through atmospheric, dynamic undulations. Delicately picked, sparse, clean guitars in the verse collapse under the weight of the enormous wall of distorted guitars in the chorus. The chorus chord progression is compelling, and winds the listener through a kind of harmonic narrative. The meaning of the lyrics is veiled in metaphor and just beyond reach. It’s a fair bet, however, that the lyrics don’t lend themselves to the feel good hit of the summer.

The production is evocative, with recording blips and rising sine waves in operation in the distance. Bosher’s incredible voice effortlessly reaches delicate high notes and belts out powerful wails in the chorus. The rhythm section of Brendon Kahi and Dan combine quite intentionally to propel R forward like a dying giant, one agonising step after the next. The rhythmic arrangement of drum and bass creates acres of space for the details of the production to shine through, while the bass notes underpin the chordal arrangement.

R is dark and clever, like a mad scientist. The song effortlessly evokes images of Russian winters and space exploration, while lamenting an uncertain future. A great track to listen to, while you sit and ponder on humanity’s relative insignificance in an unfathomably large universe.