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 BUTTERFLY
MESSIAH
Priestess
2002
CD
Fossil Dungeon FD007
43:46
Priestess is a superb synthesis of dancebeat-enhanced synthpop
with ethereal vocals and darkfolk/industrial nuances. Since our earlier
review, Shannon Garson and Robert Nightshade have been joined
by Josh Harrington (keyboards/synths), and matured into a very
professional and well-rounded sound. It's good to hear their first full-length
CD, thanks to Michael Riddick's up-and-coming Fossil Dungeon label and
its skill in assembling such an interesting and well-chosen stable of
artists.
The combination of synthpop, ethereal, and industrial-dance/EBM in a
darkwave/goth context is seamless and produces an exciting synthesis melding
the warm and reassuring beat of electronic modernity with dark melodies
and lush vocals. The style is exemplified in the opening track where an
atmospheric introduction and whispered female vocals are joined by driving
dance beat percussion, an exciting oriental-inclined New Romantic style
synth riff and vocoded male vocals. It's got it all and it still hangs
together as if things have always been done this way. All very clever.
'Visitor' counterbalances Shannon's voice with an echoing synth effect.
Shannon is then joined by Robert. For a brief moment they seem to be singing
in unison before Shannon's voice breaks free on a soaring and diving trajectory
of its own, weaving above and below Robert's like the coiling snakes of
some Celtic or Viking carving. All this is interspersed with percussive
explosions. The design and timing is masterful.
I particularly liked the sinister, ritual quality of 'Eternal Undone'
whilst 'When Autumn To Winter Resigns' - which gives full vent to Shannon's
soaring vocals - is almost Mediaeval Baebes territory.
From dancefloor to chill-out, this album provides a complete Goth club
experience in three-quarters of an hour. Highly recommended.
Rik - 16 July 2002
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