Lycia "A Line That Connects" (2015)

After a ten year absence, American Darkwave band Lycia returned from the dark with their ninth full length "Quiet Moments" in 2013. At that time I didn't give it much attention and its occurred to me I've never gotten into any of there records beyond 96s "Cold" which is a favorite of mine. When I saw "A Line That Connects" pop up in my inbox I decided to make sure I give this one a proper listen. Under the impression that they had moved on from the lonely, frosty ethereal ooze of "Cold" I was pleasantly surprised to a familiar moody, dark somber tone in this record.

Its gloomy, dreary and bleak but comes through a soft, melodic embracing melancholy of airy synths gently rolling through the background mist while the percussion draws out a reluctant beat stretching the tempo to sleepy lows as singer Tara Vanflower chimes sorrowful cries behind Mike Vanportfleet's soft and whispery spoken words. Between it all glistening guitars ooze and flow, unifying the song with pale, somber melodies drenched in reveb heavy effects. Its cold, snowy and dark, but has its own flair compared to "Cold". This one isn't quite as frozen or bleak, there's a glimmer of hope shining through a sorrowful, mourning record of solitude.

Not all of the record follows this vibe, about halfway through "The Rain" kicks things into life with a punchy, rocking track with a faster tempo, pumping beat and catchy guitar riffs. Mike brings a lot of energy to his voice as he delivers foreboding lyrics through a forceful deep tone that sounds fantastic. Its a track reminiscent of 80s Goth Rock and with the following tracks the album keeps the tempo and shift of mood up for a short while before drifting back into bleak, sleepy numbers.

The production is a big step up from "Cold" but that's no surprise, nineteen years of progression gives the sounds a richer texture and depth but it doesn't stretch what the music can do. This record was an approachable dose of the Lycia sound, however it very much plays the same game and offers nothing new or unexpected. Great record but more of the same, of which I can't complain.

Favorite Songs: Silver Leaf, A Trade Out, The Rain, Hiraeth

Rating: 6/10

Depeche Mode "Music For The Masses" (1987)

Taking off where "Black Celebration" left, Depeche mode's "Music For The Masses" takes a step towards a simpler, easier to digest format that sees much of the instrumentation focused around its main lead rather than the layered constructs of Black Celebration. This minimal and simpler approach is subtle by design but becomes apparent as repeated listens fail to invigorate the same energy and captivity the previous record had. Its a calmer beast by design, and my tendency to compare the two may hold back my enjoyment a little, but there is no doubt that this is a solid record that at no point has felt stale or mediocre at any point.

The calmer tone of this record is soothing, the compositions and arrangements pair well with lush sounding synthesized instruments and a soft, yet punchy kit. The subtlety of the less "grabbing" leads make for great enjoyment, but not the sort that comes to the forefront of you attention and fills you with awe, like "Stripped" and "Fly On The Windscreen". Thats whats disappointed me most about this record, the hooks and leads are less ambitious, and mostly remain in the quieter comfort zone this record muddles through without having any bigger or bolder moments, with one exception, "Strangelove" which genuinely sounds like a left over from the previous album, boasting a more upbeat energy and catchy hook.

What may lack between the two records is certainly not in identity, Depeche Mode very much sound the same band, retaining their colorful sound and moody undertone. Every listen has been enjoyable but theres rarely a moment that jumps out and grabs your attention, its a subtle experience, maybe more suitable to the background while working on other tasks. The album as a whole is decent, but a few slower, moody tracks towards the end are not always what I'm in the mood for when listening to this group.

Favorite Tracks: Never Let Me Down, Strangelove

Rating: 5/10

Depeche Mode "Black Celebration" (1986)

It feels a little strange to talk about music you know is hugely influential, yet know so little about. Over the years I've heard nothing but good things about Depeche Mode, their influence and legacy. Finally I have got around to giving them a listen. It took me a while to fully grasp this album and adjust to their sound, which is strange considering how clean and approachable they are. My memory of the first listen feels almost alien to how it sounds now, maybe this is the power of familiarity.

Depeche Mode compose powerful, intelligent music with a strong emotional narrative and direction thats guided by energetic, bold arrangements of synth notation and quirky noises layering these songs with detail. This absorbing sound is beautifully composed giving bright, colorful melodic leads room to shine and chime with Martin Gore's loving voice and swooning lyrics. The combination is powerful, creating a lasting impression as the two dance around each other and drive home moments you can't get out of your head.

Their genius is subtle, there is a brilliance to these compositions, the group build up suspense and narrative with detailed instrumentals that are ever so slightly contrasting to Gore's powerful soothing voice. Then at the perfect moment they shift the gears to let the melodic lead unfold and meld with the vocals to create those goosebump moments that last. Fantastic sounding album that has grown on me tremendously with each listen, now i understand what the fuss is about.

Favorite Songs: Fly On The Windscreen, A Question Of Time, Stripped, Here Is The House

Rating: 9/10

Love Spirals Downwards "Flux" (1998)

Love Spirals Downwards are an America duo from California who produce Ethereal Dream Pop. On this their forth album the duo incorporated Drum N Bass into their sound. What may have seemed an unusual move turned out to be a fruitful endeavor, a work that could be respected and enjoyed by fans of both geners. After writing about LTJ Bukem's "Logical Progression Level 1" I was reminded of this unique record I found a few years back and decided to give it another spin.

What may seem like an experimental fusion of styles turns out to be a dynamic and effortless relationship. Down tempo break loops and bold sub base lines bring an energy to liven up dreamy, Ethereal sound scapes painted by sweeping, jittery synthesizers and reverb soak guitars that compliment and work with Perry's dreamy voice. Her sister even appears on the track "Psyche" which for me was a highlight vocally. Warm synthesizers drift gently through these energetic break loops as slowly strum chords echo out in reverb soaked glory. The track "Sunset Bell" features a great vocal hook with an inaudible snippet of a word being sampled and pitch shifted in a jittery nature, a memorable moment for me.

Neither of the two styles are compromised on this record which has a sizable amount of variety. Each track utilizes different break loops, with the classic Amen Loop finding room for an appearance on "By Your Side" which is a bit out of step with the bass line and pace of the song. Production wise, its warm and charactered. A great balance is achieved as the sound finds its place for both styles to do their thing. The break loops are crisp and bass lines very bold and audible, the Ethereal synths and guitar leads have great cohesion as the reverb soaked instruments melt together under the warm voice of Perry. It just crossed my mind that on first listen this never felt like two styles were being fused together and that itself is testament to this record and a great note to end on.

Favorite Songs: City Moon, Nova, Sunset Bell

Rating: 7/10

Lycia "Cold" (1996)

Lycia are a Darkwave group from Arizona USA who formed in 88 and have released 13 albums since then. This is the one album I have treasured from there discography, at a glance it pulled me in, and after many listens I am still captivated by its bleak and, no surprise, cold sound. This record is dreary, spacious and artic in design, these may sound like negative observations to those who like there music upbeat and chirpy, but these are all positives, in "Cold", Lycia craft a chilling soundscape that explores the darker side of life and self.

Across nine tracks this slow and bleak record paces itself with a genius that keeps me gripped from start to end. Despite similarities from each song to another, they provide passive melodies, subtle sounds and shadowy riffs that stick in the mind. The chilling sound is shaped through guitars and keys soaked in a vast reverb that bleed into each other effortlessly. The drum kit follows the same aesthetic and its slow, decaying pace and lack of complexity fitting the mood entirely. There are both male and female vocals that provide an important human presence in the experience, they are gentle, distant and sorrowful in nature.

There are some beautiful and effortless progressions in the songs as they gradually build up to crashing bells, subtle eerie choirs and other sounds that really add purpose to these passive pieces. This is a soundtrack for the cold, obviously, but these songs really paint a picture in the mind of countrysides covered by snowy blankets that captivate and dazzle, yet are perilous to humans. The dark and bleak atmospheres this music produces is unique, yet familiar, I enjoy it every time I visit.

Favorite Tracks: Frozen, Bare, Colder, Snowdrop, Drifting

Rating: 8/10