On October 1, Detriti Records published the brand new “Into Seamless Lies” LP by the Swedish post-punkers Fashion Cult. This is the fourth release from this very chic band; yes, they play killer post-punk music, which they decorate with a somewhat twisted take on gothic rock – and naturally, quite naturally, all of this leads them to also sound like a deathrock hurricane too.
These five gentlemen from the North take pleasure in tormenting speakers, pedals, guitars, drums, sound engineers, the world, and anything else that happens to be near the place where they rehearse their manifestos. Personally, I love this scape and their “conclusion” – given that it embodies the musicians’ truth – as I also like their sound (which is better if you compare it with their previous records), even if this sound is rough and “rude”. Well, the singer is also to blame here, as he really makes his presence felt whenever he gets the chance to express what he wants to say, and that’s good.
The “Into Seamless Lies” LP contains 8 tracks that vividly depict this pure, urban “satiety” – and every song (every single one) sounds like the serpent licking its own eye before or after the meal. This is the deathrock aesthetic of this record, which has absolutely nothing to be ashamed of, given that the band’s sheer power and their “explanations” leave very little unanswered. Don’t expect the regular post-punk, the kind we’re familiar with or that has been dominant for quite some time now; instead, what you’ll hear here is “dusty” music, music that feels like it’s been pulled from the den. It’s an incredibly powerful record with numerous merits, as the band members clearly know exactly how to handle their instruments within their chosen sonic territory. Everything here is intense and passionate – delivered with a distinct, spirited energy, and I honestly wonder why they haven’t released any official music video for this album yet.
Amidst all this, in a highly insidious way, yet clear and unashamed, the sweet poison of Gothic Rock also makes its presence felt. You won’t encounter any gothic “sermon”; rather, you’ll find the “torment” and the raw gothic drive that is so evident in their striking performance. All of this is kept in check, of course, since their ultimate goal was to produce a dark rock ‘n’ roll record, and they did it in great triumph and immediacy in all this dust and skulls all around.
Great songs, great music, by a very good band with a focused sound and production, while the only thing missing is… all of us from their feast. So, put on your chains, your spikes, and your good shoes, because the real feast is just starting!
Here’s the album – don’t miss it, don’t cry after…
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Written by Mike D.
