Gothtober - Luna Honey : "Bound"

Female-fronted post-punk bands have the challenge of not sounding like they are simply a Siouxsie and the Banshees tribute band. This is the Philly-based band's 6th album so they have had some time to form their identity. There is a great deal of angular droning, which sets a sonically intense mood, making them heavier than your average post-punk revivalist. The switch to more operatic vocals was not expected. I like that she is capable of it as it shows her range. Now would she be capable of stepping onstage to perform 'The Magic Flute' at the Met? No, but it's better than most, though the song locks into another drone. 

One of their strengths as a band is the diverse range of musical colors they are capable of applying to their songs. 'Barbie Cake' shows they can jam on a groove in a Swans-like manner while bringing their own unsettling drama to things. The title track is done in an even more Swans-like fashion as it builds off a gradually building minimalist guitar part that weaves a hypnotic spell. The vocals however carry a more European folk feel. "Lead" feels like "Venus in Furs" in its narcotic spell.  Midway into the album, it's pretty clear this is their thing. At first, it feels like she has a more Jarboe-like tone to her voice, but she sings out in a more folkish manner. The fact there is not a Micheal Gira baritone moaning over this helps give it a more original sound, as well as their embracing of neo-folk. 

"Snarge' is almost like an interlude as it drones on the same pattern for almost the entire five minutes. "Lemons" is more song focused. It ambles along with a minimalist arrangement. "Gravity'  is her singing over ambiance in a very abstract manner. If you are not a fan of drone, this album might not be for you, granted more often than not their drones are interesting and have dynamics. Though the second half of this album is more minimal and droning than the first half.  It almost timidly hesitates to commit to songs. The electronic beat of the last song gives it an almost trip-hop feel, though the organic instruments ground the song as the vocals lightly float over it. I like what they are doing here, Swans are one of my favorite bands so to be comparable to them in any way is a positive, so I will give this one an 8.5.

pst491