WL//WH Review KILL SHELTER
On October 17, Pete Burns published his new KILL SHELTER work, the very good and awesome “Slow, Burn, Sorrow” EP. Many of you know him, and you likely recognize the significance of this talented musician. This is evidenced by the numerous collaborations he has undertaken with top artists in the dark alternative music scene. Please go to Kill Shelter‘s bandcamp page and check the names who trusted each other.
The new album is unique in every respect; he has set aside the palette of his electro-machines and the circuits that ‘translate’ his music, the intense, dark electronic music that made him recognizable and respected in our field. Now, alone in the studio with his guitars, his drum machines, and his voice, he explores the new areas of his music. It is not a ‘guitar exercise’ album, it is mainly as he noted…
a handful of guitars and a few primitive drum machines, used with minimal arrangement to keep the music raw, unguarded, and unadorned. The audio textures are created using only guitars and recorded in a few takes. Overdubs, where they exist, are improvised.
The album features seven tracks that I can describe as ambient rock with a subtle edge, revealing the artist’s timeless darkwave essence. The music is introspective, with a deep and sophisticated sound. It functions as a ‘dialectical work’, inviting listeners to participate in discussions about the issues and the themes presented by Pete Burns. It provokes their reactions and the surprise of the audience. The music exudes a sense of calm, with hidden ‘possibilities’ emerging between the notes throughout the album. Ambient music. Cinematic music. Restless music. In all the tracks of the album.
As if he himself is ‘teasing’ the music he has in his mind, as in the first track of the album where he bravely almost ‘reverses’ its reality, the classic “I Don’t Believe In You” by Talk Talk. There are no other song covers in here, except for this piece, which also functions as the kick-off of a special journey through musical fields where there is time and scope for some peculiar events. I really enjoy this album. I appreciate how I keep discovering new elements that I didn’t notice during the first listen. I like the direction the musician has now taken, and I find this new and impressive soundscape to be a valuable addition to his discography.
I’m not aware how long this new direction will last, and I wouldn’t be surprised if Pete Burns eventually returns with EBM-oriented music. However, as long as he continues this journey, I’ll always look forward to his new episodes. There are special elements in his music that I’d like you to discover for yourself on his Bandcamp page. I don’t want to reveal everything here, so consider this a heads-up about the exciting twist in his current music work.
So, here is the new album “Slow, Burn, Sorrow” by KILL SHELTER, listen with care!!!
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Written by Mike D.
