Monday 13 May 2024
Reviews: Brume, Devilskin, Just One Fix, Room11 (Reviews By James Jackson & Matt Bladen)
Brume - Marten (Magnetic Eye Records) [James Jackson]
I’ve always enjoyed the use of classical instruments, particularly the violin, in Metal, however after listening to the third full length album from California based Brume, I have to say that the cello has to be up there for its ability to be as dramatic and sorrowful as the violin.
Opening track Jimmy, has the rich sound of the cello flowing throughout, it leads yet doesn’t overwhelm the melody, a hypnotic bass line and drum pattern support the song, guitars ramp up the energy during the chorus, whilst the verses are subtle, the vocals of Susie McMullan haunting. According to the bio, the band are keen on experimentation, pushing their sound from Indie Rock to Doom Metal, New Sadder You is evidence of that, a five minute journey through a Jazz inspired Lounge influence to a frenetic sound of Hard Rock/Metal and it’s this obvious desire to make something new that drives the band and the album that they’ve created.
The hauntingly beautiful sound of the cello and guitar open Otto’s Song; it’s the most vocally minimal, male and female vocals used as instruments, harmonious sounds rather than a clear message, yet is somehow just as expressive as any other song upon the album. I’ve just used two words which sum the album up for me “hauntingly beautiful”. And it is, the string arrangements are brilliantly crafted, the more traditional “Metal” instruments used to create soundscapes that are emotive and rich; whether it’s a hint of Doom or the almost Black Metal despair found in How Rude, this album has touches of pure genius within it’s eight songs. 10/10
