Founded over 15 years ago as a DIY post-rock recording project in Kristinehamn, OH HIROSHIMA has steadily outgrown its Swedish hometown to become a highly regarded studio and live project within the international post-rock scene. With four diverse full-length albums to their name encompassing elements of shoegaze, electronica, post-punk and danceable indie-rock, their forthcoming fifth release, “All Things Shining,” represents a significant evolution in the band’s songwriting and soundcrafting.

The album has eight songs, and “Wild Iris” is first. The opening sound is slow, solemn, and heavy, and big accents in the riffs give it a dangerous sound. Vocals are at times not used in Post Rock, but they add to the ominous atmosphere. In lore, the iris flower is associated with hope, wisdom, trust and valor. “Holiness Movement” has a more jovial sound, mixed in with some psychedelica. There is also a juxtaposition between the heavy end rhythms, and the light end leads, which dance above innocently.  

“Swans in a Field” is the delicate sound that you are waiting for on the album, but it gains steam as is flows, steadily growing darker and heavier, and the tension is thick. The dancing bass notes provide some relief of the tension, as do the vocals. “Secret Youth” is bouncier and with more levity, though there is still some darkness lurking in the background. Thick bass notes blend in well with the guitar rhythms and harmonized vocals. “Rite of Passage” sees grey skies approach. Everything on the ground is still, awaiting shifting winds, but they never arrive. Instead, the song stays tranquil and contemplative, with a big peak towards the end.

“Deluge” refers to a heavy downpour of rain. Meaty bass notes carry the sound forward, with smooth, gentle, vocals and some clean guitar riffs. The canvas gets choppier as the song continues. “Leave us Behind” has contrasting sounds between the low, grungy guitar riff and the easy listening vocals. There is also an extended instrumental passage that flows like a cool breeze, but the heavy riff returns. “Memorabilia” closes the album. Like anything worth remembering, it brings up warm feelings, and some colder ones that sit in your stomach. As you page through the memories, your heart goes on a journey, and the guitar leads reflect the turmoil.

This album was mysterious for me, and, as any good album does, leaves the listener with more questions than answers. It stimulates intellectual curiosity and encourages active engagement with the music and lyrics, and invites repeated listens to uncover new layers of meaning with each encounter. Its thematic depth leaves room for individual interpretation.