A sophomore release is not a bad place to find a band. You have a bit of back material to listen for any progression of sound and two opportunities to look at how well the band write and influence each other. French psych-doom may not be a massive thing at the moment, but with albums like A Nocturnal Crossing, this could well shuttle in some exciting times for a band that sound like the bastard child of an unholy early Black Sabbath and Jefferson Airplane union.
Taking on ruminations of funeral doom and hard rock into their sound, there seems to be a bit more emphasis on making the sound more expansive and layered – something they manage exquisitely well – in a similar style to ‘Come To Trouble’ from their debut release, creating an almost cinematic atmosphere which pervades the album and gives even more reason for repeat listening.
Yes, this is dark and dreary, but that is exactly what doom is about. Lauren’s vocals, slipping between ethereal and ominous at her leisure, add to the sonic illusion of a very 70s approach to the music, in a manner akin to the likes of Frayle, though with a more expansive feel than some of the drudgery Frayle sometimes bring to the table.
Musically, the riffs are there, there are plenty of hooks to sink your teeth into and the sombre feeling that permeates the whole release gives a real feeling of coherence and truly finding their sound. An uneasy, sometimes slightly discordant sound to the guitar hooks keeps you towards the edge of your seat without in any way overdoing it, while the harmony and play off between vocals and guitar serves to truly entrance you into the hypnotic sound.
There should be a wider variety of appeal for this record beyond just the usual doom fans. There is plenty of psych and atmosphere and I could easily see why a lot of classic, occult or hard rock enthusiasts could find plenty in this album to get excited about, especially those who enjoy the darker side of the 70s, such as Jefferson Airplane (a comparison that almost feels lazy to make, given the vocals, but very apt, nonetheless!) and their ilk even through to some of those more interested in the gothier side of things. A great album and a sign of excellent things to come!
- ‘A Nocturnal Crossing’ is released on Friday (25 February). You can get your copy HERE.
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