Where do I start with this one, I’m sure that anyone with a rudimentary knowledge of the alternative/ independent scene, especially if your of a certain age would know David J from his part within potentially one of the best bands Britain ever produced Bauhaus, (just a personal view but one I’m happy to debate).

Before I start, lets put something out there this LP sounds absolutely nothing like Bauhaus, instead showcasing a musician happy to trade on and work with possible influences, while taking on board a real depth of knowledge learned within and from any number of cultural musical identities. Take first up Mosaic imagine Lou Reed half spoken vocals over an almost eastern esoteric guitar run, giving the song a real depth.

While next up Blue eyes in the green room picks at gentle, acoustic Americana, while third in Baudelaire, introduces a classical violin lead which the vocals weave around giving the song a very different structure and feel.

What I’m picking up at this point is what an emotive LP I’m listening to, one that needs you to sit back, listen to and allow the music to wash over you, which got me to thinking who else is part of this LP it’s so diverse, checking in on the press blurb, I find contributions from Anton Newcombe (Brian Jonestown Massacre), Toby Dammit (Nick Cave And The Bad Seeds), Paul Wallfisch (Swans), Sean Eden (Luna), Rose McGowan, Asia Argento, Emily Jane White, Annabel (lee) and the great Czech violinist Karel Holas. Only then do you start to realize the pedigree of what your listening to.

This is 100% an LP that fits within the late night, lights turned down time to contemplate the day just past and what’s to come. Time blurs as you drift, while imagery comes and goes. If I had to pick a fave it would probably be the poetic ‘Migenta and the frozen roses’ harking back to earlier times, hinting at Jim Morrison’s American prayer, with the female spoken vocal giving a real counterpoint as the guitar builds and weaves an almost industrial tone, seriously good stuff.

There’s a gorgeous San Francisco 60’s feel to ‘Pre-existing Condition’ really setting it apart from what’s come before while the trumpet that cuts in just gives it a different depth. As you drift through the next thing that catches you is ‘Missive to an angel’ a time for self reflection and internal focus. This is a seriously strong LP, but won’t be for everyone, one to approach with an open mind and the time and space to listen.

 Buy ‘Missive To An Angel From The Halls Of Infamy And Allure’Here

Author: Nev Brooks

TOUR DATES
Oct 08 Prague, Czech Republic @ La Loca
Oct 12 Berlin, Germany @ BiNuu
Oct 13 Cologne, Germany @ Helios 37
Oct 15 Rome, Italy @ Traffic Club
Oct 16 Lisbon, Portugal @ Musicbox
Oct 17 Leiria, Portugal @ Teatro José Lúcio da Silva
Oct 18 Porto, Portugal @ Hard Club
Oct 19 Barcelona, Spain @ Salamandra (with The Psychedelic Furs)
Oct 20 Madrid, Spain @ Teatro Kapital (with The Psychedelic Furs)
Oct 22 Paris, France @ Le Petit Bain
Oct 24 Manchester, UK @ Club Academy
Oct 26 London, UK @ Moth Club
Oct 27 Nottingham, UK @ Beta
Oct 28 Newcastle, UK @ Cluny
Nov 03 Los Angeles, CA @ Hollywood Paladium (as Bauhaus)
Nov 04 Los Angeles, CA @ Hollywood Paladium (as Bauhaus)
Nov 08 Austin, TX @ Elysium (with Curse Mackey, Rosegarden Funeral Party)