BELA - Til Summer Ends
Mother West/US
The release notes with this cd include a description of the music as "atmospheric surf-goth". Okay, that's intriguing, but begs the question, do these styles go together? In my opinion, it seems that they do not. I'm a great fan of strings in modern music and many of my best musical experiences have been with brilliant string players, but despite the cello and violin being well-played in this album, the tone is unrelentlingly dark. That, in itself, isn't necessarily a bad thing but even darkness needs variety which is notably lacking here. The songs just blend into one another, resulting in 12 tracks which seem to form one long 42 minute piece. Jeff Hogan's vocals, described as "lush" and "whispery" in the release, are treated with a doubling effect which adds intensity to a style already intense, but seriously lacking dynamics. Combined with a muddy mix, the overall result is, for me at least, a listening chore. As a musician, I loathe to bag a fellow artist's work, so I feel forced to remind readers that this review is solely based on my own tastes and opinions. It may be that this album will appeal to others, but sadly it did not appeal to me at all.
NICK TAYLOR (1)
With its dark and gloomy tone, enhanced by a persistent cello, this is even more depressing than reading through a Morrissey lyric sheet. At best, think early Cure or Stranglers, with a gothic twinge. The vocals are appropriate, and fit nicely with the music, except for an occasional sore spot on 'Turn It Off'. Since I can't sit through an entire listen at one time without aiming a sharp knife at my jugular, I don't recommend this one for those whose tastes don't stray far from the generic power pop genre.
Top Cuts: None
SCOTT PAZUR (1)