Meet albinobeach, a three-piece power trio who push the boundaries of instrumental music, blending all manner of rock sub-genres and experimental music.
Comprising Kalin Pashaliev (bass), Ian Finch (guitars) and Garrick Van Der Tuin (drums), albinobeach is slowly carving a unique niche for themselves within the landscape of South Africa’s instrumental music scene, as illustrated by their latest EP Circa.
Circa marks the band’s fourth release, following their self-titled EP albinobeach (released all the way back in 2007), Cacophonic and, most recently, The Ladder.
On Circa, albinobeach invites listeners to explore themes of memory, nostalgia and the passing of time, with lilting instrumental interludes and beautifully rendered compositions.
“Circa feels like an amalgamation of our collective experiences throughout the years,” the band explains. “There’s something profoundly sentimental about this EP – from the sounds we’ve captured to the dynamics we’ve infused into each track. It’s about revisiting the past, but not in a literal sense.”
The EP’s soundscape is enriched by subtle yet emotive elements – like samples of children playing by the sea on lead single “Tower” – auditory cues that offer listeners a multi-sensory experience transcending typical instrumental prog.
“I’ve Been Learning Hypnosis” draws more heavily on noise rock, with tinges of psychedelia here and there, while tracks like “Irukandji” and “Bethlehem” are more solemn, folk-laden tunes, their contemplative acoustics reminiscent of classic alt-rock.
Experimentation is at the core of albinobeach’s process, and they achieve measured versatility on this genre-spanning, five-track project. Throw some headphones on and listen to Circa with your eyes closed, letting it take you to the beaches of your past.
