SINGLE REVIEW: Damndest - Shimmer
Boston-based Damndest’s fourth single of the year, 'Shimmer,' is a spellbinding dive into the darker edges of post-rock. Drawing on echoes of Mogwai and Sigur Rós, it’s a piece that feels both meticulously crafted and daringly improvisational, designed to transport listeners through shifting emotional landscapes.
From the outset, 'Shimmer' creates a desolate yet beautiful atmosphere. Sparse, fragile guitars and meandering drums drift against a thick bassline, forming a contemplative backdrop that feels both melancholic and otherworldly. The hazy, harrowing vocals, reminiscent of My Bloody Valentine, are deliberately buried in the mix, blending into the instrumentation to heighten the song’s ethereal quality.
The track’s shadowy textures build gradually, weaving through atmospheric and haunting spaces before culminating in a cathartic, post-rock crescendo. The final minute plunges into raw intensity, with layers of noise-rock experimentation adding an improvised, almost chaotic edge. It’s a moment that feels visceral and unrestrained, a stark contrast to the fragile beginnings.
‘Shimmer’ thrives on contrasts—its bleak, sombre tone is counterbalanced by rich textures and waves of emotional release. It’s a track that envelops you, washing over with sounds and textures that demand contemplation and leave a lasting impression. Damndest has crafted something hauntingly beautiful here, a must-listen for fans of atmospheric, boundary-pushing music.
