Swan Wash : "Shadow , Shadow"

 

I was always hesitant to check this band out due to the fact they even use the same font as Swans to write their name. They have much more in common with Astari Nite, as they do not play harshly experimental post-punk but are a romanticized version of death rock. They owe less to Christian Death than Astari Nite. They do have more of a sonic punch on the second song of their new full-length.They used to be members of a Siouxsie and the Banshees tribute, so this explains a great deal when it comes to the guitar tone.  "Almost Gone" carries more hints of punk, though an angular creepiness haunts it. There is an element to it that reminds me of Placebo, which is an influence that is a little left of center when it comes to what most death-rock revivalists are about.  Most of the songs are around the three -minute mark so they do not give themselves too much time to indulge in a brooding atmosphere. 

An even more rock n roll jangles drive " the Upstairs Museum". Lyrically things remain interesting. It is this more abstract narrative, that keeps to the theme without playing to tropes. "Up the Stairs' jams off the darkness, which they hinted at in the previous song.  I like how the vocals are layered here. "Lights Are Outside" is more of a ballad. I like the contemplative nature of the vocals, as they incorporate elements of 1950s Phil Spector pop. Though the drummer has listened to more than a few records by the Police.  "Tavel's Gavel" muses to itself as the music takes on a hypnotic drone. At six and a half minutes it's also the album's longest song. 

"Before Today" brings older Siouxsie to mind, but is jammed out in a way that is more rock n roll than punk. I appreciate this fact as most of the death rock revival bands have leaned into the more punk side of the genre, and overall there is less rock in goth rock today are more acts are either darkwave or punk with creepy effects on their guitars. "Ownership" finds spoken vocals guiding the darker mood spreading over the song. I like the dissonant edge of the guitar. I like pretty much everything about this album it just has to grow on me in some era, though the fact I bought it off Bandcamp rather than wait around to find it online or for a promo to come my way speaks volumes to how much I do like this album, so I will round it up to a 10. 

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