Login for Favorites
EDIT INFOThe Black Heart Procession - The Spell
Tweet
Album Details
- Artist: The Black Heart Procession
- Album: The Spell
- Label: Touch and Go
- Year of Release: 2006
- ME Rating:
- Reviewed by: dscanland on 2006-05-25
RecommendThe Black Heart Procession has never claimed to be an immediate band. It is quite the contrary. Many careful listens are required in order fully appreciate this San Diego group's music. The Spell is no different. It took me three listens (the first one didn't count because it was in the background. You might have this playing on a long road trip that you have to make out of necessity rather than pleasure. I hear a lot of Nick Cave influence and a little of the Tindersticks. Even with that influence Pall Jenkins' vocals still manage to stand out and remain very different. The orchestration on the entire album is lush and wonderful. This is the part that sets this apart from the fine Amore del Tropico. The piano stands out on the opening track, "Tangled" with a very ominous guitar riff that almost sounds like something you'd hear on an Opeth album. The Spell is an appropriate title for this fifth full-length from Black Heart Procession. The Latin touches that were on their previous album have disipated. This album is even darker. Remember, don't judge this album on the first listen. It grows on every repeated listen. It's a lovely and dark masterpiece. The title track is my favorite.
User Reviews and Comments
Log In or Register to Rate Albums
User Rating:
Write your own review
Tell us why this album is great or sucks ass, or correct the reviewer. If you write enough quality reviews you may find yourself on the editorial staff.
Reviews have to be over 100 words, shorter ones are classed as comments.
Tell us why this album is great or sucks ass, or correct the reviewer. If you write enough quality reviews you may find yourself on the editorial staff.
Reviews have to be over 100 words, shorter ones are classed as comments.
Log In or Register to Rate AlbumsReview:
on 2007-07-14 lmartini Said:
It’s a difficult little number to sell. The Spell doesn’t hold out a hand and grasp you firmly, rather creeps up on you, work its way inside before pulling you down to the dark and brooding depths where it resides. It’s a gradual process for most, perhaps you’ll find an appreciation for its melancholic melodies sooner, but if you’re in the mood for a haunting blend of piano, guitar and sorrowful strings, you’ve found the right place. There is a distinct theme of depression and heartache in The Black Heart Procession, though one can simply enjoy its bleak brilliance without succumbing to any deeper emotional state. I for one find it’s descent into gloom refreshing and pleasing in any mood.
Rating: 7/10
