The Paradise Riflebirds prove less is more on single & video for “Much Doom”
For a band known for sprawling atmospheres and richly layered compositions, releasing one of their shortest songs might seem like an unexpected move. However, that's exactly what makes The Paradise Riflebirds' “Much Doom” such an intriguing addition to their catalog. Clocking in at just over two and a half minutes, the track is easily one of their most approachable pieces of their recent work, but it never compromises the qualities that have made the Australian-Scottish duo such a compelling listen. It immediately immerses and does not let go until the final moments!
The creative partnership between Simon J in Cairns, Australia, and John Tulloch in Edinburgh, Scotland continues to show how geography means very little when the actual chemistry is this strong. Across previous releases, the duo has cultivated a distinctive musical identity that pulls from post-rock, progressive rock, early doom metal, and the adventurous spirit of late-'90s alternative music. Think either Radiohead or King Crimson, but 100% with their own unique touches. Those influences are fully there throughout “Much Doom,” but they're filtered into a song that flips those feelings into something so beautiful.
From the opening moments, the song gives off a dreamy atmosphere through beautifully textured guitar work that immediately grabbed our attention. The guitars really don't dominate the mix so much as they gently surround you, layering these shimmering tones over rhythmic foundations that reward with patience. For us at least, the whole arrangement sort of encouraged us to slow down and simply exist inside the music rather than waiting for the peak.
The vocal performance complements that mood perfectly! Delivered with a restraint but still a ton of confidence, the vocals carry a sense of melancholy. There's a legitimate intimacy in the performance as the emotion emerges naturally and you get sucked into the lyricism. As lyrics people over here, that’s why we gravitated so hard in the first place.
Although “Much Doom” draws from those obviously darker influences, the listening experience is surprisingly comforting. There's an almost cinematic quality to the composition, and it's easy to understand why the accompanying video (linked above!) plays such an important role in expanding the song's emotional world. Filmed in Caracas, Venezuela, the MV adds plenty of intrigue, almost as if their was a video playing out in your head in the first place. Trust us though, it’s absolutely worth a watch!
If our only “complaint” about the song is that we wish it were double the length, then you’ve clearly done something right. In just two and a half minutes, The Paradise Riflebirds crafted a piece that is such a specific and laidback move. This was our introduction to the band, but you best believe we’ll be coming back for more. Do yourselves a huge favor and click those links below to listen in, follow along, and of course to stay tuned for plenty more in the works.
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