Described by the band as ‘album 3.5’, ‘A Wave Of Endorphins’ and is the soundtrack to the crowdfunded 10th anniversary film which is currently in production.
They preface the release by stating that it’s slightly different from their previous output but that it also hints at the direction of their next album proper.
The expansive, smooth waves of the opener, ‘His Heart Was Going Like Mad’ is arguably one of the band’s most post-rock moments in a while, but equally, it has heavy hint of Pink Floyd about it. It melts into the sparse yet brooding ‘I Chose Wrong’, a magnificently elegant instrumental with piano and strings. It may sound banal to make the observation that it feels like a soundtrack, but it’s a fact, and there’s a sense that the grand ambition that’s always been present in Her Name is Calla’s work is perfectly suited to this mode of music.
‘From Inside the Faraday Cage’ is reminiscent of I Like Trains’ ‘The Christmas Tree Ship’ EP, in that its delicate piano work is softly enchanting, simultaneously uplifting and moody without being sombre.
‘Sparring Partner’ is one of the album’s few vocal tracks, and is in many ways classic HNIC, spacious instrumentation led by acoustic guitar, sedate drums and a strolling bassline providing the foil to Tom Morris’ emotional wrought, soaring vocals.
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Closer ‘The Hour of the Gloam’ contrasts significantly with the rest of the album: a dense, guitar-led trudge that builds a fraught tension, it builds layers of scorching sound on an insistent repeated chord sequence before ultimately reaching a blistering crescendo that harks back to ‘New England’ and ‘Motherfucker!’ from ‘The Heritage’. It’s a belting track, and as good as anything they’ve done.
‘A Wave of Endorphins’ is a seriously accomplished work, and signifies a band going from strength to strength, and growing in maturity and ability, not least of all in terms of the production. It’s also a most fitting way to commemorate their 10-year landmark: longstanding fans have much to be happy about, and their dedication is well rewarded here.
Her Name is Calla – A Wave of Endorphins OST
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