Not sure how I have not reviewed Shadowlands before, since this is their fourth album, but here we are. The album opens with them threatening to take us down "Fascination Street" before the verse breaks things up into something more haunting and dark wave. They work with the required sounds of the genre without sounding like a stale tribute act. The choice of effects draping the atmosphere works in their favor to help solidify their identity. The Sabin sisters get props for not trying to be Siouxsie Sioux, another key element.
The punchy bass line to "Clicks" helps give them a spine. "Let's Fall Apart" is a more urgent brand of post-punk that contrasts with "Nothing Has Changed," which is more of a ballad to show the band's dynamic range. It does build up with an impressive emotional and sonic heft. After some weird ambiance, "Wounds and Relics." They are making me believe that this is the band for people who miss Savages.
"R/AGE" finds the pulse of synths playing a larger role, while the reverbed-out guitar sits back in the mix. This too builds from a very pleasing dynamic swell that flows very organically almsot like "Wish" era Cure. "Substance" is marginally less brooding as the dive further into capturing even richer moods awash with darkly surreal ambiance. The album closes with "The Worst Light," which is the first song that feels like they were trying to intentionally capture 80s sounds. It floats on more of a dreamscape rather than getting in your face.
No comments:
Post a Comment