Djent is a relatively new music genre, derived from metal. The music scene needs a variety of genres not just to categorize bands and market songs but also to form new subcultures. These new subcultures will often speak for an entire generation, its interests and dislikes. The Djent style may grow to the size of Grunge (which to me was the last meaningful and well tagged landmark of a Rock subculture) or may be left only in hands of those passionate about it. However, it's undoubtedly one of the most intense styles of music locked within usually instrumental, experimental arrangements, characterized by polyphonic rhythm and performed with low tuned 6, 7 or even 8-string guitars.
"We All Float Down Here Pt. 1" is a song drawing on Djent roots. The idea is based on two musical themes. One covers a Post-Rock intro, arranged for gentle sounding guitars. There are traditional folk music influences weaved into acoustic guitar sections. Alasdair Cooper, who wrote, performed and produced the track has been living in the Scottish Highlands.
The other line creates the core rhythm, brought by a low tuned 8-string guitar and drums. It is further enriched with a few solos as well. Both cleverly interlace the composition throughout it’s 5 minutes duration.
A collision of soothing Post-Rock with distorted sounds, Djent may seem to stay in sharp contrast but in fact the one underlines values of the other. Such an amount of digitally processed, syncopated riffs may sound overwhelming but they become riveting when broken with lighter (but by no means melodic!) parts. Moreover, it may be not difficult for some to make Djent, but it's hard to say if there's any limit where an experimental composition should end. Such is the case with "We All Float Down Here Pt. 1" a new section based on polyphonic tunes could be easily added to the track as long as it's kept far from being tedious.
However both Djent and its close neighbour, Progressive Metal need skilled guitar players to make it significant. Alasdair, 20 year old guitar player from Glasgow, UK sounds like the one, judging by the way the composition evolves it’s many peaks and bridges. The guitar roars, spins and cries in his hands. Having spent over 8 years playing the instrument, this self-taught musician should definitely stick with this career path. His favorite bands include Opeth and Meshuggah but also Periphery, Uneven Structure and Vildhjarta. If you enjoy these, you should also listen to Alasdair Cooper.
(Katarzyna 'NINa' Górnisiewicz, Fabryka Music Magazine, May 13th, 2013. Proofreading: SanDeE)
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Reviewed by Fabryka Music Magazine