Cold Cave : 'Love Comes Close'
Released: 2nd November 2009
Label: Matador Records
Experimental, edgy and at times beautiful, the minimalism of Cold Cave's Love Comes Close is something to behold. Based solely in electrosynth territory, it's flirtations with different ideas lend a pop element to otherwise heavy electronica.
This dedication to all out electronica provides a solid base, essential for every experimental album. Opening track “Cebe And Me” is a harsh, unforgiving baptism, a relentless synth melody continuing for the duration with little fluctuation or let up. Add to that heavily distorted vocals and you have a track that is by no means easily accessible and somewhat unforgiving. Similarly the curiously titled “The Trees Grew Emotions And Died” is a full on mix of electrosynth and intermittent vocals, it's melody comprised of elaborate and haphazard sounds.
Yet amidst this perilously aggressive electronica comes pop infused tracks that strike an effective balance. Title track “Love Comes Close” begins in a similar fashion with strange programmed sounds, yet softens with the introduction of strummed guitars and pleasant keyboard chords. A strong yet equally warm voice provides the main attraction, turning the track into something not dissimilar from a Joy Division homage. Such subtle beauty is a welcome trait, equally reflected in the “The Laurels Of Erotomania” despite it's prickly build up once again. Give the track a minute and you will find a warm, rushing synth and catchy melody taking the replacing any harshness. Not only is it pop infused, it's magnificently pop infused, creating a sublime balance between the sweet and substantial.
The darker side is also effectively given the pop treatment in “Heaven Was Full”, another Ian Curtis – esque vocal effort impressing in particular. With a pulsing yet non intrusive synth as it's bedrock, the track fluctuates through tone and timbre whilst the vocals sing in mournful, desolate tone. With such singularly impressive and collectively brilliant components, the track is easily a stand out on the album and one that goes a long way to showcase the talents of the band.
It is rare to find such stark contrast on an album, but then again it is also equally rare to find a band capable of such diversity. With clever manipulation and a wealth of ideas Cold Cave turn Love Comes Close into a pop tinged, all out electro celebration with something to satisfy even the most selective of listeners. Whether it be for it's unforgiving hardened numbers or addictive synth happy tracks, each effort makes the album a must listen from start to finish.
Write a comment
- Required fields are marked with *.
-->