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Band: Waterglass
Album title: ...And The Bleak Shall Inherit
Release date: 1 March 2013
Label: Watertight Recordings
Tracklisting:
01. Like Raindrops
02. Bleak
03. Far From Faith
04. Message Ends
05. Only You
06. Station One
07. Not With Me
08. Someone Like You
09. Seventeen
10. Come As You Were
This album came in my hands at the right time! Outside is more than 30 degree Celsius and what else than a cold drink and some chilly, yet fresh music you need in such days? Ok, let's talk about what we have here. Waterglass is band that started back in early 90's and this is only their second (!) album. The debut Wisdom Like Silence was released in 2002 and yes, more than ten years later we got this amazing album entitled ...And The Bleak Shall Inherit.
Album consists of ten nicely flowing songs, it's full of passion, emotion, but you have also some unexpected twists. Sometimes is almost ethereal, like in the opener "Like Raindrops", where beatiful vocals of singer Victoria caress with heavenly tones. Most of the songs have kind of alternative vibe, but the output is still very dark, there are parts that flirt with dark wave, classic rock, shoegaze and even a right dose of post-punk is embeded here. The band is not afraid to insert some simple, still very authentic pop balladic elements and when it's necessary some distorted guitars and upbeat rhytms. The songs are based on strong bass lines, melodic guitars, playful drums, sparkling synths, but the final tint is done by vocals.
Most of the songs are relaxing pieces of music, Waterglass build slowly on the atmosphere until reaching some kind of emotional climax, beautiful "Message Ends" is the right example of that. Then you have also some more psychedelic moments and ambiental parts. "Only You" for example reminds very much to the main theme song of Twin Peaks series. Occasional piano touches add a lot of atmosphere in another masterpiece "Station One", also cosmic guitar work is breathtaking here. In "Not With Me" the vocals are similar to Lana Del Rey, although Victorias emotional, yet unique, way of singing will appeal also to those who like Björk or Siouxie.
It's difficult to say which song really stands out, but beside already mentioned also enchanting "Someone Like You" and the conclusive smooth "Come As You Were" are truly fascinating tunes. Lyrics that deal with a lot of nostalgia and sadness fit perfectly here. No bad moments here. I believe that catchy song structures and in addition right dose of passionate melancholy will appeal to all those who search for something fresh, mind relaxing, unpretentious music. ...And The Bleak Shall Inherit is without doubt professionally done album, also production is great, not too crystal clear and that's good, so a certain alternative feel is obtained this way.
Review written by: T.V.
Rating: 8,5/10
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