Hong Kong post-punk band Four Quarters graduate with solid record, Eden [Review]
Following 2016’s Songs About Girls, Hong Kong post-punk band Four Quarters return with their long-awaited follow-up EP, Eden, a seven-track record which shows frontman Zubin Isaac and co becoming more daring and consistent in their songwriting.
Opener Tango is infectiously gloomy, full of gothic chiming guitars, and huge reverb swells along with the DIIV-esque refrain, “Nothing can make you mine”.
This brooding atmosphere is felt throughout; in the thought-provoking Gurning Pt 1 and 2, it’s manifested in swirling reverse sounds, and echo-laden vocals with as much intensity as Nirvana.
The title track is one of the instrumental highlights, with a pulsating sub bass and descending guitar riff which would fit perfectly on the Stranger Things soundtrack.
The standout is Burma, with a looped industrial drum pattern which becomes more angst-ridden and hypnotic with each repetition.
It would be great to hear clearer vocals from Isaac, as the record’s only drawback is that words and melodies are often lost. That said, Eden shows an artistic leap, with the band coming into bloom.