Respire, the enigmatic Toronto-based seven-piece known for their “obliterating intensity” and “soul-rending emotional delivery” (Treble Zine), and described by Stereogum as embodying “glacial post-rock beauty,” are poised to release their fourth album, Hiraeth, on July 26 via Dine Alone Records.
“The album is a tribute to those who have uprooted their lives in search of hope and a better future,” Respire declares. “It’s also a cautionary tale for those complacent in their illusory societal positions. Hiraeth is a manifesto of the immigrant experience; a call to embrace our shared humanity, awaken to our fragility, and confront our collective crises before it’s too late.”
Today’s release of “Distant Light of Belonging” offers a glimpse into the 10-song collection.
The accompanying video reflects on Respire’s decade-long journey, with Mini DV footage from tours, studio sessions, and live performances, capturing moments from Toronto basements to English festivals and Mexico City rooftops. It is a testament to the power of community and friendship in combating alienation and isolation.
Crafted over four years through a continuous exchange of demos and sheet music, Respire spent six months bringing Hiraeth to life, aided by recording engineer Sean Pearson, and mixing/mastering engineer Jack Shirley, along with numerous collaborators.
Tour Dates:
May 31 – Montreal, QC – Casa Del Popolo
June 1 – Gatineau, QC – Minotaure / Festival LOURD
June 2 – Toronto, ON – Lee’s Palace / Prepare The Ground Festival
September 14 – Richmond, VA – The Broadberry / Dark Days, Bright Nights
Respire has been a formidable force in the Canadian underground scene for a decade, amassing a cult following with their three critically acclaimed LPs: Black Line (2020), Dénouement (2018), and Gravity and Grace (2016).
The band comprises Egin Kongoli (vocals/guitar/synthesizer), Rohan Lilauwala (vocals/guitar), Darren Scarfo (vocals/guitar), Travis Dupuis (vocals/drums), Ben Oliver (bass guitar), Eslin McKay (vocals/violin/viola), and Emmett O’Reilly (vocals/trumpet).
Respire pushes the boundaries of heavy music, blending intricate orchestral arrangements with the intensity of emotional hardcore and the bleakness of black metal.
Members of Respire, Ben Oliver on bass, Eslin McKay on violin, and Emmett O’Reilly on trumpet, contributed their unique talents to the track “生き甲斐 Rendez-vous,”, adding depth, classical elegance, and bursts of brilliance to the already dynamic compilation of Ephemera II.
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