7/10

Following the roaring response to his much-loved studio album 'Chalice Dungeon Music' late last year, Ottawa-based project Sparkwoods now returns with 'Roentgen', delivering an evocative and deeply personal collection of songs. Continuing his one-man endeavour from start to finish, this EP merges the brooding intimacy of 90s unplugged grunge with the lo-fi rawness of early indie pioneers, creating an outing that is both nostalgic and distinctly its own.

Sonically, 'Roentgen' thrives on its commitment to atmosphere. Double-tracked nylon-string guitars form the foundation of each track, lending a warmth and texture reminiscent of stripped-back Nirvana sessions or 'Jar of Flies'-era Alice in Chains. Yet, interwoven into this aesthetic are elements of experimental lo-fi reminiscent of The Microphones and the hazy, sample-infused approach of acts like TV Girl, creating a blend of old and new that feels at once familiar and refreshingly original.

Beyond its instrumental depths, 'Roentgen' stands out for its literary and cinematic inspirations. Each track draws its mood from a specific piece of art, with titles acting as breadcrumbs for listeners to explore their deeper meanings. 'Anonymiad' reflects the solitude of a marooned storyteller, mirroring the isolation in its melancholic strumming. 'South Vale', named after the eerie setting of Silent Hill 2, channels the psychological weight of the game into a dark, foreboding arrangement. This interplay between music and narrative not only enriches the listening experience, but also encourages deeper engagement with the source material.

By weaving together rich storytelling, textured instrumentation, and a fearless DIY approach, 'Roentgen' offers an immersive world of its own, one that ebbs and flows with this subtle and absorbing nature at every turn.