Witching Chronicles: Exploring The Brume’s Marten

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Witching Chronicles: Exploring The Brume’s Marten

By MainWitch on Tuesday, May 28, 2024

San Francisco’s BRUME has always thrived in the shadows, and their third full-length album, “Marten,” solidifies their place as masterful purveyors of the darker side of music. With their signature blend of doom metal, goth, and indie rock, BRUME takes listeners on an evocative journey that is as haunting as it is beautiful.

The addition of Jackie Perez Gratz on cello and vocals adds a new layer of depth and richness to BRUME’s sound. Her contributions are seamlessly woven into the fabric of the album, enhancing the band’s already complex and textured music. The cello brings an element of sophistication and emotional intensity that elevates “Marten” to new heights.

Throughout the album, BRUME balances monolithic heaviness with delicate, ethereal moments. The band’s ability to create vast, atmospheric soundscapes is remarkable, drawing the listener into a world where melancholy and grandeur coexist. The interplay between the instruments and Susie McMullan’s haunting vocals creates a deeply immersive experience.

“Marten” is a cohesive work that flows organically from one track to the next. The album requires patience and introspection, rewarding those who take the time to fully engage with its depths. The themes of loss, longing, and existential dread are explored with a lyrical and musical sensitivity that resonates deeply.

The production on “Marten” allows each element to shine without overpowering the others. The guitars are heavy and melodic, the cello mournful and resonant, and the rhythm section provides a solid foundation that drives the music forward. This balance of elements creates a sound that is both massive and intimate.

BRUME’s willingness to push the boundaries of their sound is evident throughout “Marten.”

“Marten” is a significant achievement for BRUME. It showcases their ability to blend heaviness with delicacy, creating music that is emotionally powerful and sonically rich. For fans of doom metal, goth, and indie rock, “Marten” is an essential listen that cements BRUME’s reputation as one of the most innovative and compelling bands in the contemporary music scene.

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Released by Magnetic Eye Records on May 3rd, 2024

Reviews: Brume

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