LP version. Trapist is the Vienna-based trio comprised of Joe Williamson on bass, Martin Siewart on guitars and electronics and Martin Brandlmayr on drums. "Restraint" is a key word in the Trapist musical vocabulary, which is no wonder, as the group's name relates to the Trappist fraternity whose devotion is demonstrated by their silence. Whereas on previous albums the group often relied on drastic editing and melodic ornamentation in order to escape restraint, The Golden Years displays a newly-gained maturity which is breathtaking: Trapist bring the attack and release game to a climax never heard before. Sharp shocks of black and white with some golden silence in between. Drawing from both a wide variety of influences ranging from space-rock to improvised minimal music, and from folk-influenced psychedelia to noise as well as the members' numerous collaborations, the band has managed to establish a unique ensemble-sound defying categorization, blending both acoustic and electronic instruments as well as blurring the gaps between improvisational music and pre-structured forms. Their blend of sparse improvisation and delicate electronics is a welcome and refreshing change for fans of electronic and free music of all types.