Maira are a relatively new band from Austria who thrive in the post-rock and post-black metal genre crossover but are much warmer and experimental. Their two track EP is self-released and they do it themselves, the cover and packaging as well as the promotion.

‘Eos’ opens with a soporific and cathartic guitar which is not quite jazz but has a progressive ambience which carefully transforms its tempo along with flawless drumming behind some film sample of what seems like a psychiatrist narrating about the realm between dream and reality. It proceeds and builds up in layers with glissando guitar and tremolo and wanders off into a void of shoegaze and post-rock soundscapes with crashing symbols holding it together. It’s a pleasant journey with a psychedelic edge. They create harmonic vocals in the background subtly to bring it into a different zone and give it a definite indie-rock presence.

‘Ate’ starts with and does not waste time in revealing its black metal roots which only go as far as the vocal growls yet as soft as whispers and more dreamlike and shoegaze but against a poundingly rapid drumbeat which progresses very quickly into a structured song – is this blackgaze? Maybe for 30 seconds. The track surprising develops into a more indie song of protest, much more experimental than they describe themselves. It’s more post indie punk like Husker Dü or Snuff. The vocals are clean with a catchy melody yet subtly rebellious and aggressive.

Maira are with no doubt talented musicians and good things will most likely come from this band. It feels as if the band are still trying to find their best position within genres but experimenting not only with the music but with their target audiences. If you merge shoegaze, black metal and indie punk, Maira would be at the centre. While two tracks is not fully enough to provide a larger picture as to what the band are about, the EP nevertheless is well worth the listen and the CD to purchase purely as the two songs are quality and the packaging is special in its homemade, unique and limited edition form. We look forward to hearing their debut album.