Totorro’s latest instalment, Home Alone, is a notable departure from the post-metal sensibilities of previous albums All Glory To John Butler and EP. From the sound of things, it would appear that the band formerly known as ‘TotorRo’ are now heading in a new direction, doing away with capitalisations and crafting a sound that is more relaxed and feel-good.
Home Alone starts off with an upbeat, staccato-style groove, which immediately sets the tone of this album as one that can provide nothing but good vibes and wicked riffs. And it definitely does not disappoint, containing instrumental shredding reminiscent of bands like You Slut!, and And So I Watch You From Afar. Some fans may also sniff out the occasional guttural guitar and post-metal vibes typical of ‘TotorRo’ in tracks like ‘Motte-Rock’ and ‘Osao San’, but even these are administered in a way that reaffirms the positive and punchy nature of Home Alone.
Totorro’s new approach definitely proves they are capable of balancing happy, inspirational sounding instrumentals with epic, atmospheric awe, whilst being complex and mathy. Home Alone is well worth a listen, preferably in it’s entirety, but if you’re like me, the album will fly by and finish before you even realize, mainly since each song on the album seems to just flow into one another seamlessly.