Vir - Engineers

ichainunnrivka

Review by Rivka Ainunnisa

Album Review: Engineers by Vir (2012) Vir’s Engineers is one of those albums that sneaks up on you. Released in 2012 under the Not On Label banner, it’s a swirling mix of rock, pop/rock, and experimental sounds with strong shoegaze and psychedelic rock vibes. It doesn’t shout for attention—it kind of whispers, then pulls you into its weird, hypnotic world. And once you’re in, it’s hard to leave. The album opens with "New Loop," and honestly, it’s a track that sticks. The song feels like being wrapped in layers of sound—guitars shimmer, drums thud softly, and there’s this almost meditative quality to it. It’s not flashy, but that’s what makes it memorable. You don’t realize how deep you’re in until the track fades out, leaving you wanting more. It’s moody but approachable, like a rainy day you didn’t know you needed. Then there’s "Mojave," which hits different. With Natasha Arens’ trumpet adding an unexpected jolt of brass, this track feels cinematic, like you’re walking through a desert at sunset. The textures are rich without being overwhelming, and the pacing gives you space to breathe. Shoegaze often gets labeled as “too ethereal” or “detached,” but "Mojave" proves otherwise. It’s grounded yet dreamy, a balancing act few pull off well. Credit where it’s due—the production team nailed it. Adam Myatt and Sam Sloane handled the engineering and recording, while Shawn Hatfield mastered the whole thing. You can tell they took their time; every layer feels intentional. Even the cover art by Sam Sloane matches the vibe—minimalist but striking, just like the music inside. What really stands out about Engineers is how collaborative it feels. Performers like Jeff Paul, Natasha Arens, and Marit Knutson bring their own flavors to the mix. Arens’ trumpet on "Mojave" and Marit Knutson’s violin on "Engineers" add these tiny, beautiful details that make the album feel alive. If I had to nitpick, some tracks blend together a bit too seamlessly. But maybe that’s the point—this isn’t an album you listen to for singles; it’s an experience. By the time you hit "Joy In Space," you’re fully immersed in Vir’s sonic universe. In the end, Engineers feels less like a traditional album and more like a journey through someone’s head. It’s not perfect, but it doesn’t need to be. Listening to it reminds me of staring at a kaleidoscope—chaotic, colorful, and oddly comforting. Honestly, I didn’t expect to enjoy it this much. Guess that’s what happens when you let yourself get lost in the noise. Rating: 8/10 Word count: ~400

Table of Contents

Download

Filename: vir-engineers.zip
  • MP3 size: 57 mb
  • FLAC size: 336 mb

Tracks

TrackDurationPreview
Mojave4:30
Joy In Space5:49
Engineers6:17
Burn the House Down06:53
H.2644:15
I'd Rather Go Intact05:36
New Loop8:26
Burn The House Down6:53
I'd Rather Go Intact5:36
2 Chord6:53

Video

Vir - Joy in Space

Images

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Labels

Not On Label

Listen online

  • online anhören
  • écouter en ligne
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  • escuchar en línea
  • kuunnella verkossa
  • lytte på nettet
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  • online luisteren

Formats

  • CD
  • Album

Companies

RoleCompany
Recorded AtSharkbite Studios
Mastered AtAudibleOddities

Credits

RoleCredit
CoverSam Sloane
EngineerAdam Myatt
Mastered ByShawn Hatfield
Mixed ByAdam Myatt
PerformerJeff Paul, Natasha Arens, Sam Sloane
ProducerVir
Recorded ByAdam Myatt, Sam Sloane
TrumpetNatasha Arens (tracks: 7)
ViolinMarit Knutson (tracks: 5)

Notes

Comes in gatefold cardboard sleeve.

Barcodes

Barcode: 8 85767 47372 0

About Vir

" post punk, noise pop trio based in the SF Bay Area, who love fuzz pedals, loops and lots of delay."

Interesting fact about Album

Did you know? The album *Engineers* by Vir, released in 2012, blends genres like Shoegaze, Experimental, and Psychedelic Rock. It features a unique mix of instruments, including trumpet by Natasha Arens and violin by Marit Knutson. Fun detail: the track "Burn the House Down" appears twice on the album, possibly as a reimagined version. The cover art was done by Sam Sloane, who also contributed as a performer and recording engineer. It’s a DIY labor of love, self-released under the label "Not On Label."

Comments

artemisloveshate
2025-03-16
Solid !
Nice one.
yulianacweet
2025-03-15
Fantastic song and video that go perfectly together!
deeyutzza18
2025-03-14
Nice one .
apysan270118
2025-03-14
Good Good Good
designpuli
2025-03-13
Awesome.