Qoya - Stellar Frequencies Sessions #2

Labels: Stellar Frequencies

Formats: Vinyl/Digital

Release Date: 10 Feb 2022

Tracklist:

1. Whispers (Live Session)

2. Banshee (Live Session)

After what seems like an age, here's my second Stellar Frequencies Sessions review that features French doom/post-punk trio Qoya. Their two-song session was recorded in December 2021 before being released by Stellar Frequencies on lathe cut vinyl snd digital formats in February. Physical lathe copies are sold out.

I guess live sessions aren’t meant to be long and I’m sure there’s a reason for that. Qoya’s two-song session begins with ‘Whispers’ and it’s post-rock/post-punk atmosphere. In truth, it’s only the vocals that hint at the band’s post-punk influence, as the instrumentation that’s led by lovely melodic guitar work is a lot more majestic and immersive.

Qoya’s second song ‘Banshee’ features a lengthy intro passage that is very easy to get lost in. As the verse kicks in, it’s easy to hear that the trio are still finding their feet musically, having only released their debut album Yokai in October 2021 (where both of these songs are taken from) but nonetheless, their potential is obvious. The rest of the song follows the same pattern as it’s opening few minutes and it’s great to just sit back, taking it all in.

If I had to give advice to my younger self about heavy music, it would be that you can’t just pigeonhole it. There are so many nuances and different takes on it that it’s impossible to generalise. Qoya is another band that shows just how far this form of music can be stretched. A great job from a band that will hopefully grow and grow.

You can stream and purchase the session digitally below:-

Qoya - https://www.facebook.com/qoyamusic

Stellar Frequencies - https://www.facebook.com/stellarfrequenciesfr

Lunation Fall - Stellar Frequencies Sessions #1

Labels: Stellar Frequencies

Formats: Vinyl/Digital

Release Date: 23 Oct 2021

Tracklist:

1. Intro (Live Session)

2. Precious Time (Live Session)

3. Mydriasis (Live Session)

In mid-2021, French label Stellar Frequencies kicked off their first live session, playing host to fellow French shoegaze band Lunation Fall. That live session featured three songs and was recorded for Youtube, alongside accompanying audio that was published digitally and in the form of  limited lathe cut vinyl (15 copies in all). This session features two songs from Lunation Fall's debut album Near that was released in April of last year.

Live music brings out so many emotions and while not being present in the room to witness this short session, the recording of it still invokes that same feeling. The noise-laden ‘Intro’ provides a lot of anticipation and intrigue before Lunation Fall change tack on ‘Precious Time’. Their dreamy pop-sensibilities cross paths with lazy indie/shoegaze to create a sound that’s pleasant on the ear yet also slightly gritty as well, at least in atmosphere.

Their final live song ‘Mydriasis’ is longer but it also throws up some surprises in the vocal department, as Lunation Fall are made up of more than one very competent singer. Musically, they’re very melodic with the main story being told be the guitar work, as sensitive bass and percussion nestle behind. This song has less of a shoegaze feel to it, though the lengthy instrumental passages still allow you the chance to get lost in a day dream.

This is my first introduction to both Stellar Frequencies and to Lunation Fall. I think it’s a great one too. Many of the bands that we discover in our lives are discovered in a live setting and capturing these sessions is the perfect way to help unearth inspiring music.

You can stream and purchase the Lunation Fall session as a name-your-price-download below:-

You can also watch the recorded session on YouTube below:-

Lunation Fall - https://www.facebook.com/lunationfall

Stellar Frequencies - https://www.facebook.com/lunationfall

Now the Stellar Frequencies Bandcamp page might say that they've sold out of Lathe Copies, but their website says otherwise, so try you luck here - https://stellarfrequencies.com/produit/lunation-fall-stellar-frequencies-sessions-lathe-cut/ (but please save a copy for me!).