The borders dividing metal, post-rock, noise, screamo, and/or shoegaze have grown almost imperceptible over the last few years, having reached a point now where any genre appellation often feels either inadequate or inauthentic. By way of example: Earlier today, I wrote about a new song from Astronoid’s Air, which is one of my favorite albums of 2016, although trying to determine what it is has given me headaches. And that same question/consternation/appreciation applies to RLYR’s forthcoming debut LP, Delayer.

RLYR are an instrumental trio comprising members of forward-thinking, metal-ish Chicago outfits Pelican (guitarist Trevor Shelley de Brauw), Bloodiest (bassist Colin DeKuiper), and Locrian (drummer Steven Hess). The first song to be released from Delayer, “Slipstream Summer,” brought to mind erstwhile Portland soundscapers Pell Mell, but the brand new (via NPR) “Reconductor” has a deep stoner groove reminiscent of the almighty Earthless. It’s heady music that also engages the viscera. And it’s heavy music. But it’s lovely and vast, too. Plus, these guys can play the fuck out of their instruments, and here, they’re doing just that. Listen.

Delayer is out 6/17 via Magic Bullet Records, and that release coincides with a brief US tour. Here are the dates:

5/26 – Chicago, IL @ The Owl (w/ Melkbelly, Job)
6/17 – Ferndale, MI @ The Loving Touch (w/ The Armed & Man Mountain)
6/18 – Cincinnati, OH @ Northside Yacht Club
6/19 – Cleveland, OH @ Now That’s Class (w/ Axioma, Sparrowmilk)
6/20 – Ithaca, NY @ Chanticleer Loft (w/ Twin Lords, The Amber Drift)
6/21 – Boston, MA @ Great Scott (w/ United Nations, Nomad Stones, Actor|Observer)
6/22 – New York, NY @ St Vitus (w/ United Nations, Spotlights, Dan Friel)
6/23 – Washington, DC @ DC9 (w/ TONE, Psychic Teens)
6/24 – Philadelphia, PA @ Kung Fu Necktie (w/ Psychic Teens)
6/25 – Columbus, OH @ Ace of Cups (w/ Castle, Mos Generator)
6/26 – Chicago, IL @ Beat Kitchen (w/ Cloakroom, Electric Hawk)