A record almost a decade in the making, ‘Bloom’ arrives as Nottingham post-rock outfit long-awaited sophomore effort, following a journey that has been anything but straightforward.
Having built significant momentum in the wake of their acclaimed 2017 debut ‘Atelo, the band’s progress was abruptly stalled by the COVID pandemic, forcing members back into regular day jobs as their future in music hung in the balance. Yet rather than signalling an ending, that period of uncertainty ultimately became one of renewal. Reforming with an expanded line-up and armed with a fresh perspective, Eyre Llew have re-emerged with a collection of songs that feels richer and more emotionally resonant than anything they have attempted previously.
Mastered at Abbey Road Studios, ‘Bloom’ finds the group transforming years of interruption, reflection and perseverance into an expansive statement. Across its eleven tracks, the band weave together themes of love, loss and devotion, crafting a record that feels deeply rooted in memory and place, whilst simultaneously reaching for something celestial.
Opening title track ‘Bloom’ immediately establishes the epic scale of the journey ahead. Sam Heaton’s haunting, ethereal vocals drift above a jubilant stomp of drums, while glistening piano keys shimmer beneath tribal chants and soaring electric guitars. The result lands somewhere between the widescreen emotionalism of Sigur Rós and Coldplay’s most transcendent moments. A strong opening track that, despite its grandeur, remains distinctly human at its core.
That sense of heart continues into ‘Aetos’, an instrumental cut that begins on stuttering synths before dissolving into gentle birdsong. Functioning as a pause for breath, it provides a moment of reflection whilst reinforcing the organic soundscapes that flow throughout the record. Eyre Llew have always excelled at balancing atmosphere with melody, and quite often they demonstrate just how much can be communicated without words.
Named after the unofficial capital of Scotland’s West Highlands, ‘Oban’ then finds the band drawing inspiration from natural landscapes. Geography becomes more than a backdrop within the world of ‘Bloom’, as locations seep directly into the music’s DNA, colouring its textures and emotional contours. This track is a prime example of that, as rustic acoustic guitars intertwine with anthemic vocal harmonies, creating a track that feels windswept and uplifting.
One of the album’s standout moments then arrives with ‘Fireworks’. Possessing a cinematic quality reminiscent of The War on Drugs, it delivers a powerful message to “soldier on” through bellowing, angelic cries and delicate guitar motifs. The beautifully titled ‘Ebanon’ continues the album’s subtle references to landscapes, this time transporting us to Wales, but with its focus lying less on place and more on the pull of returning to someone beloved. Ghostly vocal harmonies hover throughout, giving the track an almost spiritual quality. It is another reminder of Eyre Llew’s ability to make intimacy feel monumental, turning personal emotions into something vast and universal.
Released as the final single, ‘Everywhere’ is framed as a triumphant love song born from the feeling of stars aligning, combining folky textures with more spellbinding guitar work. There is an effortless warmth to its arrangement that allows the sentiment to shine without becoming overly sentimental. At the album’s midpoint then comes ‘Nova’, another colossal instrumental that finds Eyre Llew at their captivating and breathtaking best. Slow-burning and patient, it steadily develops from moments of tranquillity, eventually transforming into an eruption of passionate energy.
‘Semper Fi’, whose title translates from Latin as “Faithful”, then further develops the record’s central preoccupation with commitment. Written during lockdown, it flickers elegantly between quiet intimacy and triumphant release. A similarly tender sensibility also defines lead single, ‘Miningsby’. Written in rural Lincolnshire, the track centres on reassurance and the act of supporting someone through their darkest moments. Green landscapes again appear embedded within the song’s sonic palette, almost painting a picture of sunlight breaking through forest trees as the arrangement slowly unfurls.
Another emotional peak then arrives with ‘Rainbow Bridge’, written following the loss of a family dog. The song takes its name from the well-known poem by Edna Clyne‑Rekhy that imagines beloved pets waiting between worlds before reuniting with their owners. It is both beautiful and devastating, reflecting on the quiet brilliance animals can bring to daily life. Rather than leaning into overt sentimentality, Eyre Llew approach the subject with remarkable restraint, making its impact all the more profound.
Finally, closing track ‘Sunblind’ offers release after reflection. Inspired by cycle rides around Cardiff Bay on summer evenings, it radiates joy while never completely abandoning the vulnerability that characterises the preceding songs. As guitars swell and melodies soar one last time, the album reaches a conclusion that feels celebratory without ignoring life’s inevitable fragility, as the record closes on Sam Heaton’s final heartbreaking words: “Shine on. Me? I can wait. I’m already broken.”
Whether reflecting on romantic devotion, grief or treasured memories, what makes ‘Bloom’ so compelling is that every song feels connected by a shared belief in the importance of holding on to the people, places and experiences that shape us. Almost a decade on from establishing themselves as masters of expansive, emotionally charged post-rock, Eyre Llew continue to refine their sound rather than reinvent it. In doing so, the band have created an emotional, vibrant and life-affirming tapestry, one that lingers long after its final notes fade.
8/10