I have never wondered what it would be like to be hypnotized. Honestly, to me, hypnosis seems fictional, (and also terrifying, mostly because of that scene from Office Space), but I know that some people swear by it. I do, however, think that it is possible to find yourself in a trance or trance-like state. Music is the only thing that I can think that would trigger this, and the best music for it usually being lo-fi, minimalistic melodies. Low Roar delivers this and more in their latest gripping album, 0.
I have never felt so subconsciously tied to an album. The first time I heard it, I had no idea how to classify it. 0 is extremely compelling with purposeful construction, and is simultaneously methodical and harmonious. The first track, “Breathe In,” is a slow ascension, with lead singer Ryan Karazija cooing in your ear. There are tracks that are intimately dark, such as “Anything You Need,” which has such a deep bass line and a sick-sounding keyboard- and by sick, I mean needs-new-batteries sick. Together the bass and keyboard are haunting, which is how I could emotionally liken most of the rest of the album. My favorite track is “Easy Way Out,” for its chilling guitar screeches. At one point, within the guitar’s echoes, I heard a mosquito buzzing in my ear. It was surreal. Nearly every song fades in or fades out, which is a brilliant yet sensible move; it allows each track to sit with you for at least a few moments before beginning the next. Those are the moments when you are allowed to actively realize how talented this Reykjavik-based quartet is.
I have a lot of respect for Low Roar for choosing the right name. They were very self-aware about their sound, and didn’t choose a name solely on aesthetic. Bands that I think that are guilty of choosing the wrong names: Vampire Weekend, Sleigh Bells, POP ETC. They should all be, respectively: Vampire Weekend on the Cape, Slay Belles, The Morning Benders. We could probably all come up with fake indie band names for hours, I think there are even generators for that sort of thing. But Low Roar was honest. Their music reflects it.
0 is out now. Find more information about Low Roar on their website.
The Music Court 
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