True Widow
Out now
Out of the glitzy hordes of bright, young poptarts dominating the charts, comes a band ready to bring back the doom and gloom.
Texan trio True Widow sits amongst the current influx of post-shoegaze bands with their sludgy rock, while adapting a more dynamic approach than the likes of Yuck or Esben and the Witch.
Slow-paced looming guitars suddenly take on a grungy sound reminiscent of Soundgarden while duel vocals add a further dynamic to the band.
Both male and female vocals work in an effortlessly dreamy way as the band take on sound likable to a distorted, dirtier version of last year’s mercury winners The XX.
While the vocal style is unexpected against the heavier musical backdrop it complements the music well while the rough sound adds a refreshing dynamic compared to other rock outfits which are fast becoming more and more polished.
What the album has in individuality however, it lacks in variety as the nine tracks merge together to create one monotone block of sound that follows the same tempo throughout.
While True Widow’s shoegazey sound doesn’t exactly provide a sound for the summer it certainly has its appeal and is accomplished in many ways, which may just allow the underground sound to reach the surface.
At this point it is only causing ripples, but despite the longwinded title, the album sees a steady progression from their earlier material suggesting True Widow’s third offering might just provide the more distinguished sound this band need to gain some deserved attention.
Verdict: 3/5
FemaleFirst Antonia Charlesworth