Gothtober- Darkswoon : "Antivenom"

This is the fourth album from this Portland-based band that plays a moody vision of indie rock, with vocals that are not overtly trying to be Siouxsie; in fact, there is more of a Savages meets PJ Harvey feel. The grit in the bass is dialed back but chomp at the bit. Everything is a slow build to a heftier pulse, which I appreciate. This album came out back in April, and I am surprised that it did not get more hype or come up on my radar, but that is the benefit of dedicating this month to dark music; it gets us caught up on what we might have missed. This was just found by me clicking around on Bandcamp; it deserves more of a shout-out just based on the opening track.

Granted, the thing about having a strong opener like that is it sets the bar high for the rest of the album. They build momentum almost up to gallop for the stormy "Pacific City". It feels half disco in how the drums play against this and more rock with the subtle tension built. "Thread" and "Monochrome" find themselves kind of blending together as they coast through the sound, not allowing the album to gain my attention until it gets to "Small Death"; they use similar intervals and the melody follows a similar formula, but the sound stands out more. Though at this point of the album it's clear they are programming the drums which  is a limiting factor for them 

.

Sometimes it does give them more options with sound as they switch it up on the more ambient "Devour My Eyes". While I appreciate that they switch up the dynamics, this one does not hook me in .  "Blood Let" almsot has more oa darkwave thump to it. There is a slinkier groove than the bulk of the album. I would say it is one of the album's stronger songs. She belts it out more on the chorus. "x3' does find them graduating to darkwave and might be the album's best song. "Going Dark" maintains the momentum, but is not as interesting sonically. Overall, I enjoyed where they are going with this, and when they take things in a darker direction, it works best for me will give this album a 9. 

pst480