locke8
11-26-2008, 01:43 AM
True Widow (http://www.mediafire.com/?nbzi5zhedxx)
Lead singer Dan Phillips, formerly of Slowride, conceived of initial material for True Widow while learning woodworking in Massachusetts. The end product, based out of Dallas, Texas with the additions of Nicole Estill on bass and Timothy Starks on percussion, is a major break from previous fast-paced punk rock work in the band members’ catalogs, and more a lo-fi shoegaze project. The band’s MySpace page has a wide collection of portraits of widows from all backgrounds and cultures – women longing, mourning, and crying for their loved ones passed on. True Widow’s concept and execution definitely revolves around that idea of loss and sadness, with haunting vocals and emotive lyrics, but the result seems lacking.
Phillips’ lyrics are very personal and at times quite dark, no doubt reflecting on his leaving Slowride and possibly various other personal struggles. However, the music diminishes from the intended effect. While shoegaze is a genre of choice to express a feeling of depression and confusion, in this particular instance the instrumentation fails to showcase the true mastery of the musicians, and the music by itself comes off as amateurish. Though there are a few Portishead-like elements of vocal delivery and heavy bass, one track blends into the next without much to-do. The tempo and riffs stay nearly the same and you find yourself wondering if the record is repeating or looping itself. Just judging the music alone, the record could easily be that of an impressive high school garage band. Bassist Nicole Estill has a great background of work with punk act Man Before Mars, and it would have been prudent to allow come of that vitality to come through.
But the lyrics by themselves show a much deeper maturity and a gorgeous depiction of pain and uncertainty. If you are a person of a certain mindset and background it’s not hard to find common ground with “tongue tied now you can’t understand the torture” and “its all in smoke and signals hell.” And admittedly, True Widow does pick up a little towards the end of the record. “All You Need” and “Bleeder” in particular stand out as a songs with great potential, partially due to bringing in Estill’s harmonies and a bit more energy and variety.
One can imagine True Widow being pretty great live, but on record it doesn’t fully translate. The trio definitely makes a break from their previous styles and sounds, and explores new territory worth getting involved in, but not necessarily in the best way. It might take True Widow another record or two to hit their stride, but they’re headed in the right direction.
i think this is worth a listen... it's calm, the lyrics, music, and vocals aren't overbearing or cliche... it's kind of refreshing amidst all the crap these days. definitely a solid first release.
Lead singer Dan Phillips, formerly of Slowride, conceived of initial material for True Widow while learning woodworking in Massachusetts. The end product, based out of Dallas, Texas with the additions of Nicole Estill on bass and Timothy Starks on percussion, is a major break from previous fast-paced punk rock work in the band members’ catalogs, and more a lo-fi shoegaze project. The band’s MySpace page has a wide collection of portraits of widows from all backgrounds and cultures – women longing, mourning, and crying for their loved ones passed on. True Widow’s concept and execution definitely revolves around that idea of loss and sadness, with haunting vocals and emotive lyrics, but the result seems lacking.
Phillips’ lyrics are very personal and at times quite dark, no doubt reflecting on his leaving Slowride and possibly various other personal struggles. However, the music diminishes from the intended effect. While shoegaze is a genre of choice to express a feeling of depression and confusion, in this particular instance the instrumentation fails to showcase the true mastery of the musicians, and the music by itself comes off as amateurish. Though there are a few Portishead-like elements of vocal delivery and heavy bass, one track blends into the next without much to-do. The tempo and riffs stay nearly the same and you find yourself wondering if the record is repeating or looping itself. Just judging the music alone, the record could easily be that of an impressive high school garage band. Bassist Nicole Estill has a great background of work with punk act Man Before Mars, and it would have been prudent to allow come of that vitality to come through.
But the lyrics by themselves show a much deeper maturity and a gorgeous depiction of pain and uncertainty. If you are a person of a certain mindset and background it’s not hard to find common ground with “tongue tied now you can’t understand the torture” and “its all in smoke and signals hell.” And admittedly, True Widow does pick up a little towards the end of the record. “All You Need” and “Bleeder” in particular stand out as a songs with great potential, partially due to bringing in Estill’s harmonies and a bit more energy and variety.
One can imagine True Widow being pretty great live, but on record it doesn’t fully translate. The trio definitely makes a break from their previous styles and sounds, and explores new territory worth getting involved in, but not necessarily in the best way. It might take True Widow another record or two to hit their stride, but they’re headed in the right direction.
i think this is worth a listen... it's calm, the lyrics, music, and vocals aren't overbearing or cliche... it's kind of refreshing amidst all the crap these days. definitely a solid first release.