PILGRIMS : "Gemini"

 

Chilean-bred PILGRIMS relocated to Boston and has become a more focused songwriting machine. With vocals at the front of the mix, the murky layers of synths and guitars create a fog-drenched landscape of sound while the drums dance under them. All too often, darkwave-leaning bands like this are not organic enough, but this band feels like they have a balance of electronic elements and instruments plugged into amps. It seems like half the lyrics are sung in their native tongue, making the vocals at times more of a textural layer. 

There is a marginally more upbeat vibe to "Blissing Hour". It carries a dancey cadance that is anchored by the bass line. "Datura" is heavier in both groove and the dark depth of its mood. "Storms" is also another song that might summon goths to the dance floor. There are some interesting touches applied to how the vocals are produced here. To their credit, unlike many female-fronted post-punk bands, these guys are not trying to be Siouxsie and the Banshees. "Amethyst" finds a more ethereal slant to the lilt of the vocals. The bass line keeps this song moving in the right direction. 

"Glass Cages" offers more electronic ambiance, though once it kicks in, this is contrasted by a punchy punk attitude possessing the song. The vocals are more shouted, that offer a nice dynamic contrast. It even makes me think of pre-Mike Patton Faith No More. "Elegia" plays it safer and sticks to what you expect from this sort of thing. "La Mar" might be the song that best encapsulates what this band does with the groove and melody being locked in. The last song finds her voice going up into her head register to create a more Cocteau Twins-like sound; it's also another one of the more dance-oriented moments on the album. Overall, this album is the kind of dark, grooving fun I want from this brand of goth-tinged post-punk, so I will give it a 9,5. 

pst25