Gothtober- Silence in the Snow : "Ghost Eyes'

 

The criticism that the baritone Ian Curtis impersonation that dominates  the new wave of goth / post-punk bands is not inaccurate. Though if used as an attempt to overthrow the musical patriarchy female singers are just as guilty of imitating Siouxsie Sioux. This does not mar my enjoyment of the opening track from this band's new album, but it is noted. It also prompts me to listen for when they do not sound like a Siouxsie and the Banshees tribute band and show me who they are. "You Fade" is a decent song , but it does not change my opinion in this regard. The guitars and drums both create a dynamic path for the vocals to follow and that is appreciated. But it also makes me think of all the other singers she could be drawing inspiration from Dinah Cancer, Elizabeth Fraser, Lisa Gerrard, Annie Lennox, Kate Bush and Toni Halliday all come to mind. 

"To Hide" finds the formula beginning to wear a little thin as it is making the song the same. The drummer is continuing to kick ass , but that alone is not going to carry a song. Granted their drummer Trevor has played with both Deafheaven and Wolves in the Throne Room, so this is pretty much a walk in the park for him.  The guitar rings out more on "Dreams of Disbelief" to create a little different feel, not a hug shift but enough to not bore me. Musically they change it up a bit leading into "Let the Wild in". Her vocals back off an create a more ethereal sound that is much less Siouxsie. Perhaps this is what she might sound like if she just sang without preconceived notions of a sound she want to achieve.  "A Colder View" finds a more Cure like tension possessing the guitars, but the song largely breezes by under the guise of a similar sonic scope to what they have been doing for the bulk of the album so far.

A band is only as good as their drummer, so this works in the favor of these kids. She is back on her Siouxsie shit with the title track. Synths in the background only help shift the ambiance so much. The chorus does not pop out and grab you. "All Fall Away"  reminds me a little of Cold in Berlin in how it's heavy due to it's brooding feel. The last song has a similar drive, but the vocals find more purpose in the hooks they create. This album was a fun listen , and I like the dark vibes created here. There is not question they are talented, and accomplished what they set out to do here so I will give this album an 8.5.