A Cloud of Ravens : " Lost Hymns"

This duo plays a self aware blend of post-punk that is ready for goth night. There is more of an organic tension to the second song, where they opening track wallows in it's own thunderous atmosphere. The vocals were given a great deal of love in the production  process, which helps the over all performance of the song. The melodramatic baritone that is the focal point croons around the riffs. Not the hooky take on this sort of thing, but it works. "Old Ghosts " finds the vocals more emotive, but the pulse of syncopation driving the song does not really hook me in. "the Blackest Mantra" keeps things moving, but the songwriting still lacks the sense of infection that the song aspires to have. 

The dramatic ambiance that is the heart beat to "Parable" works better than what occurred on the previous song. The bass playing courtesy of Beth Narducci, is pretty impressive. The thump of "Fear Not' works really well and furthers the darker mood. I like the way the vocals are layered on "Nature of Artifice" though the synths seem to be a little over bearing and haphazard" . Things do not get a great deal darker until " When We Go Cold", the more intricate instrumentation, creates a 70s rock feel that slowly builds. The vocals sit perfectly in the mix, but the synths are to forward in the mix and it casts a glaring spot light on the unsure footing they laydown,

"Rite & Ritual" takes a while to get going, working off the more whispered vocal that sets the subdued narrative. The moods is dramatic enough to please most fans of old school dark wave, but nothing hooks me into the repetitive question the vocals ponders. "Tower Down" benefits from the drive of the bass player. Beth anchors this album well. The elements in place all work, but in terms of the album holding my attention the momentum is slightly waning in the third act . The last song works off a droning pound of drums. The chorus that builds up feels more obligatory, and though it is pleasant to listen to the band started off too strong for me to settle with filler. Despite coasting at the end the overall effect of the album is powerful enough for me to give this one a 9. This duo kicks up a lot of sound, thanks to the hefty croon of the vocals.