Typhoon describe themselves as “post pop”; a minimalist theme runs through their music. Having released two albums, Hunger and Thirst in 2010, and White Lighter in 2013, they return with their anticipated third album Offerings, which is released in January on Roll Call Records. The band has released a taster from the album, ‘Rorschach’ which is available to listen on Spotify.
Offerings is a concept album split into four parts: Floodplains, Flood, Reckoning, and Afterparty. Telling the story of a man who gradually loses his mind and heads into a downward spiral, the four parts examine his fall from grace in intricate detail.
‘Rorschach’ is a lush atmospheric soundscape, with gloomy chords and filtered guitars. The shaky vocals showcase a feeling of anxiety, fitting in with the uncomfortable narrative. The production on the drums is layered, while the heavily distorted backing vocal is a nice touch, encapsulating the atmosphere. Lyrically it takes inspiration from Greek mythology and touches on the man’s memory gap with startling vividness: “The film in your brain, it edits to remember, keeps the figure in the frame / It’s a sacrificial violence, all those passed over in silence then cast out with the blame / while the river of forgetfulness starts spilling the banks.” The listener is made uncomfortable – a lot of research has gone into these thought-provoking lyrics, making for an impressive piece of storytelling.
‘Rorschach’ is one part of an ambitious project, but it is well worth your time. If Offerings is every bit as honest as this track, then Typhoon should win more fans in the process and build on their strong reputation.
In conjunction with the album’s release, the band will embark on a short UK tour.
28th February 2018: The Deaf Institute, Manchester
2nd March 2018: The Lexington, London
3rd March 2018: Broadcast, Glasgow
Offerings is released through Roll Call Records on January 12th.
Words by Ermis Madikopoulos