Spiricom, is: Steven K. Smith (programming, percussion, keyboards and synthesized guitar), and Marc Cody (guitar).
Artist, producer, and engineer, Steven K. Smith, is a new media artist from Kent, Ohio. Locals may remember him from former bands, A Signal In The Static, Dolmen, Mabou, and Daye of Skye.
Marc Cody, who currently resides in Columbus, OH, grew up in the suburbs of North Canton, and has previously cut his musical chops with the post-rock band, The Star Junction.
With a flair for synth-heavy, sonic explorations of alternate dimensions and celestial realms, their previous recorded works include 2013’s Opening the Portal, 2014’s Songs for a Summer Séance, and 2016’s Anthems For The Afterlife; all of which paved the way for this years, Hammer of Witches, a fitting fourth installment to the creative duo’s trademark theme of ambient walls of sound.
HERE’S WHAT WE DUG MOST…
Opening slowly and meticulously with, Strappado, (OUR FAVORITE TRACK) the track strangely reminded me of 1981’s legendary instrumental, Chariots Of Fire. Though starting with a few dark synth tones, it quickly morphs into a bright and airy exploration of inspiring melodies and chord progressions. Percussion drops at the 5:05 mark, eventually joined by distant electric guitar riffs, escalating the experience to full-blown catharsis. Super cool track—super cool.
The Burn crescendos more airy, fuzzed-up synth tones with ambient, electric guitar notes and a tribal-like rhythm. High-hats come in at 2:20 and are soon followed by a melody change to, once again, a rather uplifting progression. The track feels like a sonic dose of hopefulness. At the 5:40 mark, there’s a switch-over to something altogether different. With an added layer of distorted guitars and vocal harmony tones, the mood is now more focused. As the percussion drops away, you’re left floating in a preparation of sonic ether. This track belongs on the next Avatar movie.
Closing with the project’s title track is, Hammer Of Witches. The song follows a more linear path, building slowly with deep & wind-like synth tones, layers of electric guitar, and growing levels of percussion. Think: Clint Mansell’s Smokin’ Aces soundtrack (well, sort of anyway).
IN CONCLUSION…
Luscious, synth-drenched, sonic concoctions which—quite honestly—flow like the water in some crystal-clear brook of long ago, climb and fall away—time and again—in Spiricom’s latest installment of etheric, ambient sounds, Hammer Of Witches. Though each track has its own unique identity and agenda, at the same time, there is absolutely a thematic presence in the rich walls of sound, the under-spoken distorted guitars, and the subtle vocal presence here and there. This is the work of highly exploratory minds which was made for minds that are equally as exploratory. All in all, I found these three tracks to be wildly adventurous and well worth the time. Fans of New-Age, Psych, and Syth-Rock genres may find a home here.
WHOSE LOVECHILD…?
Helios meets Clint Mansell…
BELOW: Listen to Spiricom’s EP, Hammer of Witches, and connect with their website and social media platforms. Please support Spiricom by visiting them online, and playing, downloading, and/or purchasing their music, or attending a live show! And, as always, thank you for supporting real music!
Listen to HAMMER OF WITCHES by SPIRICOM:
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