Post-rock has its clear heavy hitters in the form of Explosions In The Sky and Mogwai, but in many cases, it is when you did a little deeper into the crevices of the genre that you find the real gems. Sleepmakeswaves is one such gem. Possessing a near faultless back catalogue, the Australians have finally blessed the world with a follow up to their 2014 epic ‘Love Of Cartography’ with yet another collection of sprawling soundscapes.

The twists and turns that ‘Made of Breath Only’ possesses are what makes it such a captivating listen. One second caramel-smooth ambience fills the air, then the next piercing guitars pull you out of your comfort before glitch electronics bring you crashing back down to earth.

In many ways, this isn’t an album to dipped into when one so pleases. It is a body of work designed to be a trip. Letting your emotions warp as the music brings you yet another new layer to the listening experience.

Feeling confident and strong as the meaty bass of ‘Glacial’ kicks in, starry-eyed because of the gorgeously whirly synths of ‘Hailstones’ or deeply touched by the lingering piano keys of the title track; it all comes together to leave you truly affected by the time the all-consuming ‘Worlds Away’ sees things out in breathless fashion.

‘Made of Breath Only’ is a work of exceptional craft and care. Spiraling, ambitious and awe-inspiring, this is post-rock at its most beautiful, punishing and deep. This is the sort of record that could stick with you for the rest of your life.

4.5/5

‘Made of Breath Only’ by Sleepmakeswaves is released on 7th April on Monotreme Records/Bird’s Robe Records.

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Words by Jack Rogers (@JackMRog)