“Buncha noise mostly.” That’s how Cassiopeia describes themselves on their Facebook page. This is a “loud space noise” band from East Phoenix. They are interested in vinyl, literature, movies, and art and are influenced by “the usual”.

The first track on the self-titled album on Cassiopeia’s BandCamp is indeed a bunch of noise. They use white noise (or gray noise, or pink noise. I’m not sure how much of noise-nerds these guys are) for the duration of the song as well as heavily distorted indistinguishable voices which appear to be radio transmissions.

I must say though, this band does a much better job of incorporating noise and static than most of the instrumental bands around right now. Noise can be very effective in filling up space or continuing a mood, and they seem to have a great concept of this. Although, many of their songs are incredibly clean and tightly organized. Cassiopeia is doing a good job of using the full range of sonic textures to create.

“Sun Halo (Beyond Stockholm)” is my favorite track on the album. It makes use of the static voices I’ve come to associate with this band and then gradually swings into the more firmly arranged portion of the song. The build is perfect, and the blow out is done very well.

If you’re sort of a fan of instrumental post-rock, but you think most of it is really boring, check out Cassiopeia. They are less boring than most instrumental bands because they have genuine skill at creating mood through music.