And So I Watch You From Afar - ‘Megafauna’ review
And So I Watch You From Afar by Tom McGeehan
On 9 August, Irish experimental post-rock titans And So I Watch You From Afar (ASIWYFA) dropped their latest full-length album, Megafauna, via Berlin’s Pelagic Records. With nearly two decades of boundary-pushing music under their belts, the band returns with a record that feels both familiar and fresh, a love letter to their roots in Portrush and Belfast, and a powerful reminder of why they remain a force to be reckoned with.
Megafauna is ASIWYFA’s seventh studio album, following their 2022 release, Jettison. While Jettison was a unique project, more of a cinematic experience with an accompanying visual component, Megafauna is a return to the band's core identity. With nine tracks clocking in at 45 minutes, the album delivers the kind of intense, intricately crafted soundscapes that have become ASIWYFA's signature.
The album kicks off with "North Coast Megafauna," easing you in with interlocking clean guitar melodies that shimmer with the band’s characteristic warmth. As the bass and drums enter, the track swells into a powerful crescendo, with subtly layered vocals adding an atmospheric depth. Just when you think the song might settle, ASIWYFA throws in dynamic shifts that keep you on your toes, making for a captivating opener that sets the tone for the journey ahead.
"Do Mór" follows, quickly picking up the pace with a driving rhythm that showcases the tight-knit chemistry of these four musicians. The guitars weave in and out of each other, while the drums propel the song forward, keeping it fresh and engaging with evolving riffs and shifts in dynamics. It's a track that demands your attention, rewarding you with every twist and turn.
"Gallery of Honour" takes a different approach, starting with a delicate melody that gradually builds into a raw, hard-hitting section that wouldn’t feel out of place on a Queens of the Stone Age album. The track then strips back, creating space for the listener to fully immerse in the music’s intricate layers before diving into a prog-rock breakdown and a dreamy outro. It’s a showcase of ASIWYFA’s ability to blend diverse influences into a cohesive and thrilling whole.
The twin tracks "Mother Belfast" Parts 1 and 2 continue this sonic exploration. Part 1 follows the album’s established pattern, with intricate guitar work and punchy rhythms, but Part 2 takes a darker turn, introducing low piano chords that add a brooding undercurrent. Both tracks are a masterclass in building tension and release, with rhythms that make it impossible not to tap along.
"Years Ago" offers a change of pace, leaning into a more acoustic sound. It’s a softer, more introspective piece that invites you to drift away in its gentle melodies. The track conjures a sense of nostalgia, like revisiting a cherished memory, and wouldn’t be out of place in a film montage reflecting on days gone by.
Then comes "Any Joy," a standout moment on the album. With its slower tempo and lush string arrangement, the track builds into a rich sonic landscape, taking you on a dynamic journey that highlights the band’s exceptional musicianship. It’s a track that lingers with you long after it ends, a testament to ASIWYFA’s ability to craft deeply moving music.
"Button Days" shifts gears again, injecting the album with a surge of energy. It’s a no-nonsense, high-octane track that harks back to the raw sound of the band’s earlier work. The relentless rhythm and edgy guitars make it an instant crowd-pleaser, destined to become a live favourite that gets everyone moving.
Closing the album is "Me and Dunbar," which opens with a slow, atmospheric build, drawing you into its intricate guitar lines. The middle section pulls back, allowing space for the melody to breathe, before gradually ramping up the tempo for a powerful finish. As the final chords ring out, the album leaves you feeling both satisfied and eager to hit play again.
In Megafauna, ASIWYFA has delivered a masterclass in post-rock that’s as thoughtful as it is exhilarating. The album strikes a perfect balance between polished musicianship and the raw energy that has always defined the band. It’s an album that reminds us why ASIWYFA has endured for nearly two decades—because they know exactly how to keep us hooked, wanting more with every carefully crafted note.
Megafauna from And So I Watch You From Afar is out now via Pelagic Records and available on all good streaming platforms. The band will be playing twice at this year’s ArcTanGent Festival and then will be going on tour across the UK this December.
