Covenant is the debut EP from Rotlaust, a project which celebrates composer Jack Penders’ compositional adaptability. The project, taking its name from a Norwegian word meaning ‘rootless,’ is an outlet for Penders to experiment with multiple genres and atmospheres in one place. Penders is also a well-established drummer in the Dublin music scene. His drumming prowess is naturally apparent on this EP, which expresses his impressive technical ability excellently. The EP features guest vocals from Kev Peelo, and was produced by David Redmond, both members of another of Penders’ music projects, alternative rock band LNT.
Covenant is notable for its fluid expression of genre and its capacity to convey a nuanced narrative, despite being entirely instrumental. It communicates a comprehensive understanding of conventions of ambient, heavy rock, and film music, amongst other styles. The EP opens with washes of guitar and piano as heard on ‘Cold Fluorescence.’ A textural watercolour of sound develops, where intricate splashes of drums interrupt the otherwise sparse sonic palette. Liquid-like synths and reverberating, distant voices give the impression of floating in an ocean of sound. The title track on the EP contrasts significantly, with staccato guitar riffs and loose drums playing slow, cathartic parts. The drums and guitar take turns leading the track, the drums playing a steady, rolling rhythm and the guitar, a jubilant melody. As the track builds, the instruments climb in speed and intensity to culminate in a dynamic peak.
‘Sun Circles’ is calming and restorative, like a long, pensive walk. The song conjures nature, blooming foliage and summer growth, but the positive atmosphere of the song quickly changes course; a bleak voiceover speaks of imposer syndrome and anxiety, and a discordant melody follows suit. Balance is restored, however, and the song plays out on an uplifting note. ‘All This Silence’ is a climatic point on Covenant, conveying a futuristic dystopia through a droning, rhythmic synth. It is a sonic snapshot of an energetic sequence of events, intense and cinematic like the apex of an action movie. The final track on Covenant continues with this dystopian theme; it is a cover of Nine Inch Nails’ 1999 single ‘The Day the World Went Away,’ as despairing as the original, and potentially more menacing.
Covenant is available for streaming on Spotify here.