Russia’s Motorama Share Inviting Post-Punk On Meditative New Record

The Rostov-on-Don, Russia-based post-punk project Motorama presents a meditative look at melancholic longing on their compelling new record Before The Road, which is available now from I’m Home Records.

On the album, Motorama performs repetitious and gentle rhythms with a brooding and classically post-punk vibe while starkly compelling melodies sit at the center of the creation. The guitar tones across the instrumentals definitely feel a bit emotionally jarring, but their edge feels a bit softened, allowing a space for contemplation within the music. The album’s cover art, which features an area of flowers and greenery, quite aptly reflects the feel of the record, which seems largely unassuming while carrying a sense of subtly compelling beauty.

Besides moments like the particularly synth beat-driven “Up” towards the end of the journey, most of the music isn’t particularly chilly. Instead, there’s a gently permeating warmth, as if musically reflecting a moment when snow-blanketed surroundings begin to thaw.

Emotionally, via their gentle persistence, Motorama sound like they’re endeavoring to capture moments of brightness within a landscape of lifelike chilliness. There’s not a lot of anxiety in the record, and in place of where that feeling might otherwise emerge, Motorama cultivate a sense of quiet resignation. The instrumentals feel quite grounded and emotionally personable, as the group sticks to a relatively unencumbered sound with melodies that feel close.

Before The Road features a rather smooth emotional flow — the songs feel organic and accessible, like the musical equivalent of a chat between friends. Via the compelling instrumentals and the lyrics that recount stories like an apparent tale of traveling to Moscow, the flowing songs feel like snapshots of real-life observation, delivering a peaceful look at these emotional surroundings. The album might be a soundtrack for looking out a window during a train ride — or imagining doing so in the absence of widespread travel opportunities.

Moving through the record, “Pole Star” feels particularly pointed, while follow-up track “Azure Height” seems largely bassline-driven, giving the track an earthy grounding. Although the groups tempos largely stay in a gentle range, there’s still plenty of forward movement, which comes into focus at moments like the track “Sailor’s Song.” Before The Road packs a compelling presentation of subtle vibrancy.

5/5 Stars

Listen to Before The Road below!