By: Joosep Nilk
Album Type: Full Length
Date Released: 22/09/2017
Label: Sargent House
Whereas “Abyss” and its
predecessor were largely paving way for new sounds, the cohesiveness of her
latest album is a sure attribute of Wolfe´s singular vision finally realized.
More self-aware and self-assured in her vulnerability than ever, with the band
in intimate tow, “Hiss Spun” indeed feels much like a logical continuation.
“Hiss Spun“CD/DD/LP Track Listing
1. Spun
2. 16 Psyche
3. Vex
4. Strain
5. The Culling
6. Particle Flux
7. Twin Fawn
8. Offering
9. Static Hum
10. Welt
11. Two Spirit
12. Scrape
The Review:
As if with spill-overs from the amp-heavy “Abyss”, Chelsea Wolfe's latest album
makes first bet on immediacy. Having shed light on some of her influences in
interviews, the Earth-inspired
riffs open up bold and distorted, with brazen guitar strangulations following
foot, that come off as an immediately familiar theme from previous works.
Similarly, on the lamenting ’Two Spirit’ she sounds a lot like herself on a developed version
of ’Reins’ off “Pain Is Beauty”, losing herself in a ghastly yet enchanting drift
of a lull. Elsewhere she reprises herself on a piano-driven -interlude, which
along the pensive unravelling of other delicate tracks do well to form together
one somber storyline. Even the build on 'Static
Hum' that comes off initially radiant soon turns into a reiteration of the
song title, like an analogy to repeating the same mistakes, until it all swells
and fades into but a faint whisper.
It’s not all dire hopelessness though. A few
interludes soften the blows, with the odd electronic track 'The Offering' dribbled in there, rightly deserving of the title
given. Even though she doesn’t forego her pop sensiblites entirely, ’Static Hum’ and first single ’16 Psyche’ being the obvious examples,
it makes the anguish only slightly easier to digest. The use of repetition on the prior feels like
it might perhaps wear out after a few dozen listens, whereas the latter’s on
the contrary returns each time for more addictive effect, highly fitting after
all, as the lyrics are spent dissecting promiscuity and codependence. On this
track and the following 'Vex' Chelsea Wolfe blends
into the reverb-soaked background, as if taking a step back to detach from the
situation. Alongside her as if with sword and shield, Troy Van Leeuwen and
Aaron Turner (Isis, Sumac) take center stage, (with guitar
and voice, respectively) and the harshest blows are
struck.
Separated only by the dramatic 'Particle Flux' the definite highlights are the pairing tracks of ’Twin Fawn’ and ’The Culling’. The prior’s blissful melodies just staying long
enough to elicit a false sense of security, then take a turn for the
nightmarish as Wolfe’s
voice looms increasingly ominous, with the reprehension of the latter growing
to be near unfathomable. This same approach is used to even greater effect to
the sweetness of ’Two Spirit’, which
is offset by the screechingly beautiful atmosphere setting in almost
immediately after. All of it cements the notion that exposing oneself in such
vulnerable manner doesn't happen without bearing teeth in the process. This
sentiment is driven home by the severe closer where she finally delivers the
callous truth of the matter.
It’s here by the end of the album that one truly
acquires another appreciation for Wolfe's whole array of vocal abilities. Still
caught in some of the circumstance, she comes across more embracing of the
direness. At once bewitching and punishing then straight into wallowing in
hallowed misery. Having culminated in a cacophony sounding like the upheaval of
quite a few stubborn and crooked roots, she spins the album title around a
myriad of near-senseless words at the close of 'The Culling', as if barely scraping herself together to make sense
of it all.
Whereas “Abyss”
and its predecessor were largely paving way for new sounds, the cohesiveness of
her latest album is a sure attribute of Wolfe´s singular vision finally realized. More
self-aware and self-assured in her vulnerability than ever, with the band in
intimate tow, “Hiss Spun” indeed
feels much like a logical continuation. Beginning with “Pains Is Beauty” it could very well be seen as the end of a cycle
of albums, with both her power-electronic and riff-minded sides more developed.
It comes together as one heart-wrenching journey into the heart of
self-acceptance, all the harsh discoveries it entails. As she reminds herself
(and the listener) in barely distinguishable whispers on the second track, the
way out is through.
“Hiss
Spun” is available here
