Tuesday 13 September 2016

ALBUM REVIEW: Lotus Thief - “Gramarye”

By: Richard Maw

Album Type: Full Length
Date Released: 16/09/2016
Label: Prophecy Productions


“Gramarye” is a step up from the band's last album and is a fine and entertaining listen, the songs are still long and wandering pieces of music; there is light and shade, heaviness and an epic quality here.  “The Book of Lies” is a fine example of the record's ambience with the ethereal vocals mixing with moments of weight and levity. The darker material, such as “Salem”, is delivered convincingly and with the appropriate sense of mournfulness.  Whether you’re listening to the album on headphones or on in the background, this is a record to enjoy.

Gramarye’ CD//DD//LP track listing:

1. The Book of The Dead
2. Circe
3. The Book Of Lies
4. Salem
5. Idisi


The Review:

Lotus Thief are back after creating a buzz with their 2014 full length. The songs are still long and wandering pieces of music; there is light and shade, heaviness and an epic quality here. The airy sound and swirling keyboard sounds are still present and the band is very much within the psychedelic sphere of doom.

“The Book of The Dead” shows the band's attributes to the fullest- if you don't like this track, then the album is not for you. However, for those that do... it will take you on a trip. The lush acoustics and slow build of “Circe" offer an excellent listening experience, with unusual production and mixing tricks. The vast majority of tracks here are 8-9mins long, so referring to them as songs is perhaps a stretch- they are pieces of music to savour and let wash over you.

“The Book of Lies” is a fine example of the record's ambience with the ethereal vocals mixing with moments of weight and levity. The darker material, such as “Salem, is delivered convincingly and with the appropriate sense of mournfulness. The material is never leaden, though- it always possesses a lightness of touch.

The album closer, “Idisi”, at over nine minutes in length, finds the band rocking out, mellowing out and spreading their wings again. “Gramarye” is a step up from the band's last album and is a fine and entertaining listen; on headphones or on in the background, this is a record to enjoy.

‘Gramaraye’ is available here

Band info: bandcamp || facebook