Noctooa – Adaptation (2014)

Today we have another very interesting re-release through Pesanta Urfolk, and this release is none other than Noctooa’s “Adaptation”. Featuring a very unique sound, this band mixes Neofolk with New Wave elements creating something very original that is labeled “Cave Wave” by the band themselves. One thing is for sure that their sound is quite engaging and hypnotic, so be prepared to be trapped by their dark atmosphere.

In the opener “Persistence” the first impression we perceive is the very somber atmosphere nicely surrounded by piercing vocals. With a certain Tenhi vibe, the string instruments in this track (and release) are quite well arranged to create a very dense atmosphere. As the album rolls through very melancholic tunes like “Can’t Serve” and “Poly-Dimensional”, it is not until “Sleeping Beira” that we are truly enchanted by the ritualistic feeling behind the music.

The music gets more expansive with “Slate”, another very solemn track that is quite relaxing and features a very dramatic climax. With tracks like “Glass Empire” and “Winter Solstice”, the band keeps the album flowing with their unique magical atmospheres. It does tend to get a bit repetitive at this stage of the release, but not to the extreme some other Neofolk albums do.

As we end with the album’s title track, we are left with a very good impression from Noctooa. This is surely one of the most different Neofolk releases we have received at Infernal Masquerade and it left us wanting some more. If you like calm and soothing music that is both somber and engaging, look no further and pick up a copy of “Adaptation”.

Label:Pesanta Urfolk

Release: May 15th, 2014

Genre: Experimental / Neofolk

Country: USA