“The record revealed itself to us overtime. some of the pieces existed for some time in one iteration or another and others came together rather quickly. It’s not exactly a concept record but there is a story woven together of someone dealing with Death, grappling with mortality, bargaining for immortality - loss of self, rebirth and the self-actualization that occurs on the other end. Much of this is fiction, however there are moments I found myself recounting my time spent in the death care industry and the questioning of the predatory practices put in place by large corporations masquerading as charitable entities.”
Charles – thePicassos
Divination Scars: among the dead in symmetry, the new album by Midwestern Gothic/Avant Goth band thePicassos is a deliciously dark and eclectic journey through a series of collective stories and experiences that entwines a haunting narrative about death and dying, fear and immortality. The first track “Wicker Casket” weaves an ethereal tapestry that’s hauntingly hollow and jangly with undulating melodies that perfectly blend darkness and transcendence. With an atmosphere of menace and a sense of desperation, “Leather Wings (The Blood Is The Life)” beckons the listener into a dark and mysterious realm. “Thousand Eyes Restrict” creates a visceral experience with urgent rhythms created by a cacophony of gloomy, heavy guitars and atmospheric lyrics and vocals. Having an eerie atmosphere “Children of the Night” has ascending melodies and haunting vocals. “Dolarhyde” (do you see?) is a powerful song that unleashes a blend of heavy guitars and beseeching vocals that result in a gripping exploration of bleak emotional depths. Immersing the listener into a disorientating, yet entrancing soundscape “Sixth Sense” has reverberating vocals that further enhance the mystique of the song. “Weird Sisters” is an alluring blend of Gothic music with a retro 80s sound, that has energetic vocals piercing through the vintage glamour of the song infusing it with power and emotion. A sultry New Orleans sound, with a soulful spirit and the whimsical allure of a spooky carnival “Serious Business” is a mesmerizing fusion of sounds and melodic layers. “Under The Floorboards (With You)” transports the listener to a cinematic futurescape and the dreamy landscapes of the 90s resulting in a nostalgic and spellbinding sound. Propelled by crashing guitars “This is Not Elegance” has ghostly reverberating vocals that ensnare the senses. “Slaughtered Lamb” is enthralling and hypnotic with a rhythmic beat that menacingly drags the listener into a place of shadowy intrigue. Blending exotic Middle Eastern sounds and echoes of the 80s “Go Dark” pays homage to diverse musical traditions while transporting the listener to otherworldly places.
Divination Scars: among the dead in symmetry, has brooding melodies and enigmatic lyrics that immerse the listener into a soundscape that mirrors the complexities of life and the inevitability of death. The albums exploration of existential dread and the rejection of immortality adds a unique twist and creates an unsettling yet captivating atmosphere.
Divination Scars: among the dead in symmetry,
All songs written by Charles Urban
Charles Urban - lead and backing vocals, guitar, tambourine, railroad spikes, shaker, kazoo, claves, snaps, bongos
Dan Lowe - bass guitar
Thorin Murphy-Fahlgren - drums, accordion, banjo, guitar, toy piano, wind chimes, chimes, synthesizer, drum loop programming, tambourine, shaker, snaps
with
Joe Duprey - organ, piano, synthesizer, harpsichord, backing vocals, noise effects
Gerard D’Lor of Second Salem - vocals on “Leather Wings (the blood is the life)”
and “Dolarhyde (do you see?)”
Sarah Rose of Sarah and the Safe Word - vocals on “Weird Sisters”
Taylor Izak - violin on “Under the Floorboards (With You)”
spoken word on “This Is Not Elegance” written and recorded by Shelby Blevins-Lowe
Artwork and graphic design by Charles Urban
CD hand model - Tara Tapert
Produced by Charles Urban, Dan Lowe, and Thorin Murphy-Fahlgren
Recorded and mixed by Thorin Murphy-Fahlgren
Links:
No comments:
Post a Comment