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A cinematic work of intelligence, starting with subtle drones and emotive vocals.
On September 18th, the London-based Cesarians return with their third long player. Rachel Frieda is an album that continues the powerful hat trick of creativity, and diversity. The previous Cesarians 1 (2009) and Pure White Speed (2015), gave audiences a view into their art rock framework. But, it feels as though those albums were only dry runs for Rachel Frieda, that maturity, and confidence appears apparent. The Cesarians are taking risks with their sound, stretching their limitations, and the audience is certainly the better for it.
The overture to this latest journey is “Pig In The Mattress”. A cinematic work of intelligence, starting with subtle drones and emotive vocals. A slow-burning, dramatic atmosphere builds around the vocals of Charlie Finke. With a dense fog instrumentation from co-writer Justine Armatage, and the remainder of bassist Budge Magraw, drummer Ed Grimshaw, and the haunting violin sound of Christine Lehmann create organic flourishes. Though the erupting vocals of Bev Crome, spirals the hopelessness closer to the edge of the abyss. It is a wholesome sound, and it glides gently into the stark “Antichrist”. Here the eruption of an addictive riff against a haunting landscape swirls. It is an exceptional experience where indie music fuses with progressive structures creating something to get fully immersed within.
There are so many influences on display here. But it is the way these influences and sounds are forged together shows the unique qualities of the Cesarians. Rachel Frieda is not a difficult album to like, in fact it is an enthralling adventure through music. The escapism for those who prefer depth and intervention to what they listen to. This is a band who can conjure up sound from obscurity, and create art, ultimately an outfit to watch.
Tracklist;
1.Pig in the Mattress
2.Antichrist
3.LSDeanna
4.Death in London
5.Diesel
6.Anything, Everything
7.Going Blonde
8.Who Who Can
9.The Sea
To Pre-Order;
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