This is a band whose glory days on Cleopatra in the 90s I really loved; the past two albums left me flat, but I like the dense textures that open this album, so perhaps there is hope. The vocals talk their way through the song with a hushed tension that is forgivable, but I am going to need more dynamics after a few songs. Everything clicks into a catchier cadance for "Connect the Dots" so it's appropriately titled. I appreciate the more nuanced guitar that reminds me of the Smiths, though the vocals are not as emotive as Morrissey's, as they keep to their muttering in the smoke machine vibe.
He comes clsoer to singing on "Scars' with the more melodic guitars bringing out this side of what they do. So far, this album feels more organic and has a more post-punk feel, rather than the overly atmospheric goth thing going on. The vocals have a little more purpose on "Unfriended," but are far from the level of Robert Smith or Rozz Williams' dynamics, so we are not looking for Robert Plant, but a little more passion. The bass line comes up for "Ill Informed" but not to the Joy Division level needed; the vocals are awkwardly phrased. I mean, these guys have been doing this for decades; every measure should be dialed in.
"Another Exit Wave' has more of a new wave feel. Though the vocals carry a Sisters of Mercy-like cadence, less grandiose. I mean, how softly was this guy singing in the studio? He is barely coming through the mix at times. "On Which We Die' feels like a more timid Fields of the Nephilim. "Dead to Me" is dark enough, and he sings out a little more, which is close enough. The last song finds the pace picking up a little. The vocals are once again at a faint murmur. The vocals need some work; it seems like more could have been done in post-production. There is, however, a great dark mood and awesome guitar playing, so I will give this an 8.
