Beginning with a tumultuous, cacophony of tumbling drums and a feedback-filled frenzy of synths, Cold Cave’s second album makes a dramatic impact right from the start. The brainchild of New York-based musician Wes Eisold, these nine songs are a collage of bleak lyrical romanticism and a nostalgic but futuristic sound.
Songs such as ‘Pacing Around The Church’ and ‘Catacombs’ combine an ’80s pop sensibility with a darker edge. On paper, it shouldn’t really work, but it’s precisely that unlikeness that makes this album triumph. Simultaneously depressing and uplifting, evil and camp, it’s an inspiring, majestic paradox of an album.
8/10
Words by MISCHA PEARLMAN
