<a href=”http://rlyr.bandcamp/album/actual-existence-2″>Actual Existence by RLYR</a>
Chicago-based experimental rock trio RLYR (pronounced “Relayer”) have announced details of their sophomore album Actual Existence. Set for release on April 13th via San Francisco tastemakers The Flenser, the new four song full-length distills and expands on the explosive energy and anthemic catharses of the band’s 2015 debut Delayer.
Actual Existence represents a step forward in complexity for the instrumental band. Comprised of Steven Hess (Locrian, Cleared, etc.), Colin DeKuiper (Bloodiest, ex-Russian Circles), and Trevor Shelley de Brauw (Pelican, Chord, etc.), RLYR have fine-tuned their MC Escher-esque song structures while preserving the indelible earworm melodies that are their hallmark. The trio’s singular vision is evinced on “L.Layer,” a labyrinthian epic that is punctuated with several exhilarating climaxes.
Formed in early 2014, the RLYR became quickly renowned for their taut, energized live performances in the wake of support slots for Deafheaven, Nothing, The Twilight Sad, United Nations, Oxbow, and This Will Destroy You. Capitalizing on their early creative synergy, the band recorded and released Delayer in 2015, yielding enthusiastic support from Pitchfork, NPR, Noisey, Stereogum, AV Club, and many more.
“This is uncommonly optimistic post-rock, then, deliberately using the strength of the style’s sound to summon something more than temporary fury.” – PITCHFORK
“What makes RLYR truly impressive is the patience in which they apply pressure. They never allow for a frenzy they didn’t build toward, and give their aggression space to ebb and flow in a way that settles the tension into a continuous stream.” – STEREOGUM