Sonic Cathedral – February 23rd
Spectres have been pacemakers in Bristol’s music scene for some time now, largely through the label Howling Owl where guitarist Adrian Dutt and vocalist Joe Hatt devote their lives to releasing prime talent within the city. Now though, it’s their turn in the spotlight as the debut album Dying arrives through Sonic Cathedral.
There’s plenty of intrigue basking beneath the noisy surface of the album, which both nurtures and pushes the world of guitar induced experimentation. The record constantly thrives off of itself, one moment we’re being haunted by the distant vocals of Hatt, and next we’re lashed with expansive sprawling sounds. You could easily liken this effect to Hookworms, but it goes without saying there are two separate intentions behind these bands, Spectres are of course conveying the darkest subject possible, our good old friend the end.
More importantly though, they don’t just hide behind bouldering guitars, it’s clear-cut, calculated and intelligent. ‘Blood In The Cups’ proves as it prowls along with a multitude of sounds. This well layered mess is significantly helped by producer Dominic Mitchinson from Velcro Hooks, who guides the sounds with precision. Although he’s not the only familiar name to appear on the record; Oliver Wilde offers his unique vocal on ‘Family’, making it a team-up that’s symbolic of the somewhat incestuous nature of Bristol’s music scene.
A recent online post from the band joked that the video for ‘Where Flies Sleep’ will “ruin your day”, but to hell with it, immerse yourself into these tracks and you’ll soon understand the sludgy mystic world Spectres have created. Admittedly, the album isn’t apt for a summer picnic, but it offers an alternative experience. It’s truly about time that an abrasive package of tracks like this came to the forefront of industry attention.
Spectres clearly didn’t see any barriers when producing this ear-shuddering work of art, they’ve brought all of the elements of their eclectic influences and channeled them into a new direction. If you can’t handle the grinding intensity of it then you’d better go and buy the new Peace album.
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Buy: Spectres – Dying
