Oh Hiroshima is a guitar driven post-rock quartet originally from Kristinehamn, Sweden. Through a thoroughly heartfelt sonic output, that manage to mix powerful energetic crescendos with tender melodies and atmospheric vocals, the band marks itself as one to follow.
What started out as a duo recording project that resulted in a couple of self-produced Eps, later transformed into a full-fledged post-rock act with the release of debut album ‘Resistance Is Futile’ in 2011. The band followed up with sophomore album ‘In Silence We Yearn’ in 2015; a record that saw the band pushing their artistic vision into a more unified frame while still maintaining an appealing diversity with each song. The shift mainly came out of the band being able to shape the songs together live in the rehearsal space, with all members contributing to the creative process.
With the release of In ‘In Silence We Yearn’ Oh Hiroshima have shown they are capable of upholding a continuous forward motion when it comes to songwriting, as well as overall sound crafting. With an even greater focus on creating a unifying experience that hold the songs together, while still maintaining the ever present suggestive and adventurous element that has always distinguished the band, the record takes Oh Hiroshimas earlier strengths to new levels. The melodies and sounds turn from gentleness to raw intensity through sweeping narrative sections, backed up by a driven rhythm section and soaring vocals; the latter taking a bigger role on this release than on previous recordings.
Altogether, the music on ‘In Silence We Yearn’ appear to circle around a primary theme or essence, while at the same time letting each song find its own way into the collection. The lyrics mirrors this ideal, centering around the longing for eschatological hope in the sociopolitical turbulence of contemporary society. As a whole, the albums blend of restrained stillness and expressive outpourings seem to create the perfect soundtrack for emotive reflection and introspective exploration. Here comes the CD edition.