My process when going through new music is this: Listen through everything that comes across ye olde digital desk, either begin a draft or at least jot down the records that are doing something to the creative juices, and depending on how far along a potential draft is (If there’s a significant amount typed up then it’s pretty much a given that review is coming) then eventually circle back closer to the actual release date for one final listen thorough before settling in to finish a review. And it’s not always immediately apparent when diving back in why something struck a nerve in some way but then a song will come on or a note will hit and everything just clicks.
Which was the case with the sophomore release from Glaare. “Young Hell” didn’t remind me right away, “For Sale” had a glimmer, a spark and then “Terminator 2” dropped and it was like that scene in The Blues Brothers when the heavens open up, the sun shines down and illuminates Joliet Jake in a blue glow and finally a grand revelation is had. And what a grand revelation Your Hellbound Heart truly is.
But I digress.
Back to the beginning, “Young Hell” is kind of this old school Depeche Mode/Siouxsie and the Banshees amalgamation that’s a slow burn to set up the upcoming onslaught of new timeless Electro masterpieces which immediately apparates into the haunting anthem “For Sale” with Rachel Pierce’s divine voice putting on a performance that’s captivating and compelling. Then we get “Terminator 2” that’s this TR/ST meets Sneaker Pimps melancholic majesty that’s like drifting away into a dream with the way that Rex Elle’s guitars intertwine with Brandon Pierce’s programming prowess.
“Buyer’s Remorse” is Electro finesse and an awesome ’80’s throwback that’s all synths and beats to sound like a perfect marriage between “Physical” and something off The Pleasure Principle while “Divine Excess” is a glowing, gorgeous new dancefloor classic with Ceremony and Spice’s own Ross Farrar adding some guest vocal accompaniment to Pierce’s vibrant delivery. “Mirrors” goes all deep into the Darkwave atmosphere with Brandon Pierce and Marisa Prietto’s rhythmic hum covering all as Pierce’s vox soar into the ether, “2 Cents” is a bit of an outlier that’s part futuristic fun and part that poignant moment of self-reflection that happens in any number of your favorite John Hughes flicks growing up and later, the title track ends Glaare’s sophomore sonic supremacy with a burgeoning and wistful soundscape that highlights Rachel Pierce’s powerful presence surrounded by a comfort blanket stitched together by a veritable synthetic symphony.
Your Hellbound Heart arrives on April 30th through Weyrd Son Records. Pre-orders are available now and can be perused and purchased when you head here. For the latest on Glaare, follow them across their socials by heading here, here, or here.
2 Responses
Comparing to Depeche and Siouxsie!? Give us a break Jesse.