Gothtober- Cerulean Veins : "Black"

 

This California band has been around for some time and now leans from darkwave into a more 80s inspired sound. I appreciate that the vocals stray from the Ian Curtis template of singing. They carry melodies in a baritone croon that is capable of more dynamics. This is not unlike the new wave bands of the 80s like the  Human League. The familiar palm muted guitar line to "Love Won't Save Us Now" sets up the anthemic chorus. The vocal production is interesting as there is a slight haze over them that keeps them from having the radio pop, which is find with me , but a curious twist to their sound. However by "Dancing With Shadows" it begins to create a very uniform feel, with the cadence of the chorus the main thing to make the song stand out. 

"Tempted Hearts" finds the guitar beginning to get more interesting.  The plaintive vocal delivery still manages to find urgency, though this band is beginning to remind me  of Interpol/ The chorus is a little hookier and they are not as dark as earlier Interpol, nor is there any evidence of a Joy Division fixation. Five songs in and the formula is evident, though to their credit this is longer than it takes for this pattern to be defined in your average band. While the band claims this album is about life, love , death and the human experience, these seem to be typical 80s tinged love songs lyrically. "Only Love" has a marginally catchier chorus than the previous song .

Things take a moodier shift on "Forever Tonight" it's not a huge shift , but a large enough change to break up tedium before it sets in. Though I think seven songs in at what they are doing at present is my threshold so it's good they employ more of dance beat for "Dance Human Dance" , though the vocals pretty much stay the same.  "Nothing Left But Love' is a little more upbeat. They vocal try to take things in a more thoughtful direction, but it ends up sounding too much like what we have already heard. They end with more of a power ballad on "Love Will Remain". The synths help change the colors rather than falling back to the same guitar riffs. I will give this album an 8, as they are capable song writers what they do is not dark enough for me, and the vocals sound the same on every song which paints the album in a monochrome sonic range. However if you like more chilled out post-punk with smooth 80s sound these guys are for you.