This duo from North Carolina delivers legit darkwave in a manner that does not suffer the plight of being lost in the lo-fi murk of nostalgia. There are no overt trips to the Bat Cave, by trying to sound like "the Garlands", but employ a great grooving bass line that a DJ would have no problem wedging between Boy Harsher and Switchblade Symphony, but without giving a wink to either. I guess by the time I get to the second song, it's clear the benefits of modern production boosted this mix and elevated them out of the mire of tribute bands pining for days lost.
"Frailty" gives a strong opening with danceable drive, yet not neglecting the vocal melodies, which are also locked in. "Mercury" is more melodic and carries a more melancholic pace that brings the more recent offerings from Cold Cave to mind. There is an actual guitar being played, which goes a long way in my book . Her haunting alto falls in line with the expectations most goths have of this sort of thing without being a blatant tribute to Gothmother Sioux. I like how this moves. This ep is dedicated to their kitty, who died, so there is enough loss to make me a believer in their brand of darkness.
A more synth-minded bass line fuels "Shoreless" . The guitar sits further back in the mix, and there is a more spacious reverb sound that brings them closer to how modern darkwave is produced. Her vocals do not feel as fueled by the same level of passion here. I like how the synth riff turns the groove around in a dramatic fashion that recalls new wave. I will give this one a 9, I really enjoyed what they are doing and curious as to where they might go on a fulllength album,
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