Thraa are a guitar drone duo based in Manchester, creating unique compositions within their music. I came across their EP Into Earth recently, and felt it was like nothing I’d ever heard before! It won’t be for everyone, but those who like their music a little different to the norm may find something to love here.
By Jane Howkins
Into Earth starts out with Move Among Them, which raises the tension up nicely. Subtle droning noises kick things off, before more sound effects are added, continuing on throughout the track. It’s quite discordant at times, but there’s a hidden beauty in it. Scraping noises and odd guitar lines are the flavour of this tune, until it ends suddenly, tailing out towards the finish line.
Title track Into Earth is up next, starting in a semi-similar way to the previous song. Lots of different sound effects echo through the music here, with feedback and guitar scraping composing much of the tune. However, underneath these effects, whispering can be heard, with a pretty piano melody appearing at one point, adding a more melodic quality to the piece.
Elgon builds up over time, with a dark bassline appearing, having a quietly subtle manner about it. The fuzzy backing effects get louder and louder, helping to create an eerie atmosphere, as the bass throbs underneath the surface. One of the things that struck me about this piece was how sinister it sounds, showing Thraa to be a band capable of creating a unique ambience.
Over Warm Stones is the final track, opening with a slightly quieter flavour than the previous songs. The music has an echoey, almost dream-like quality, with odd little basslines underneath the fuzzy guitars shining through every so often, bubbling away in the background. A melodic, fingerpicked electric guitar movement takes the track in a more melodic direction, changing every so often on this fifteen minute long number. It’s a lengthy song, but one well worth listening to all the way through.
Thraa are a band doing something very different, for which they should be lauded. Those into their more mainstream music probably won’t enjoy the songs on Into Earth, but if you like post-rock or drone music, this might be for you!
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