INSIDE NOISE: Connla’s Well by Maruja

Behind dead eyes and small talk, our foundations crumble under the weight of repression and a lifetime spent in constant striving. Out of this drudgery emerges the flamboyant post rock of Connla's Well by Maruja, a band piloted by hauntingly smooth saxophones and hyperactive drums. A multitalented vocalist introduces themes of mindless aggression and pointless ambition, all while cycling melodies from guitars and saxophones keep us firmly rooted in place as the drums wreak havoc all around us. However, unlike other albums in this genre, the record wraps up on a satisfying note, denoting that our speaker has begun the work of addressing subconsious trauma and finding inner peace, supplying hope for all those who resonate with the middle part of this album's more pessimistic messaging. Yet another strong contribution to a thriving UK rock scene, 8/10.