words by Chance Solem-Pfeifer
Rift plays a kind of doom metal, but beyond the identifiable aesthetic, the Lincoln band would like a lot to be left up to its flowing, inherent musicality.
Their songs are without lyrics, and Jon Baumann (guitar) and Nathan Christensen (drums) say they don't particularly need that poetic structure when their instruments can do the talking.
Though they've been known to improvise during, or as the premise of, some live shows, "New Hate," the fourth track from the new Rift Volume 1 EP comes off as a more conservative, riff-oriented song. It hinges on a two-note refrain which blares up or rolls down at the end of the guitar phrases. In that way, despite the loudness and fanfare of the instrumental enterprise, weight is not such an object on "New Hate."
Between Baumann and Christensen, Rift is fundamentally a duo, though Gab Wagner (formerly of Apophis and Dusk Bled Down) was the studio bassist for the EP. And as it's instrumental, both permanent members take their time in the spotlight. At the mid-point of "New Hate," Christensen saves room for cross-kit rolls and solos while the guitar walks up and down.
Rift will play May 2 at Duggan's Pub in Lincoln and on May 23 at Shamrocks Pub & Grill in Omaha. Their EP is streaming now. They're also featured on this free compilation from the Nebraska Stoner, Sludge and Doom Metal Assocation.
Listen to "New Hate" here:
Chance Solem-Pfeifer is Hear Nebraska's managing editor. Reach him at chancesp@hearnebraska.org.