Founded in 2003 in Konstanz, the band IRA underwent a remarkable transformation in a short time. The debut “The Body And The Soil” from 2005 showcased a very different musical style, with hardcore, doom, and punk at the forefront. The new release “Visions Of A Landscape” comes with much more tranquility. If I were to write “more mature,” I would definitely owe a five for the cliché jar. But well, I didn’t write that! ++++ On this album, rock dominates. Somehow, it’s just (only) rock. And that’s damn good here. Of course, the almost inflationary term post-rock comes up when similarities to Mogwai are noted; it’s also indie sound, and with a nod to art-rock and prog-rock, one isn’t entirely off the mark. Grounded. Grounded is the right word to describe this music. Although there’s a lot of experimentation here, especially when the overall minimalist sound becomes atmospheric, dreamy, and allows for every facet within the spectrum of feelings. ++++ My actual surprise came after the second track ended – and the album was already 22 minutes old. It’s really not my thing, these endless tracks, which usually have one thing in common: they never get to the point. That’s different here. There’s no attempt to get to the point; instead, music is made that never becomes boring or monotonous. ++++ IRA is currently on tour with OCEANSIZE. It fits. The two bands are as similar as they are different. Five? ++++ Listen.
