Our #SpotlightOn artist for September Blue Vow today releases her new album Death Of A Big Black Dog, drawing influence that spans from slow-burning ambience to more violent, noise-driven sounds, released via The Good Times Co.
As Blue Vow morphs into a full band, comprising Joy Markus, Damon Miles, Cam Lofstrand and Stephan Erasmus, front figure Chelsea Ann Peter brings listeners a collaborative labour of love and introspection.
Opener “Body Is Blue” is soft and slow-building, each guitar string struck with a slightly ominous touch. Already in these two minutes, Blue Vow manage to build a stunning sonic atmosphere; a landscape through which to walk, holding Peter’s hand.
In many ways, it recalls Lucy Kruger and The Lost Boys, only perhaps more stripped back. “When Buildings Collapse” stands out as a beautiful forlorn arrangement, slipping between a kind of acoustic folk and heavy psych-rock.
Other highlights include “Washover” and closer “We Must Scream” – each one a brilliant display of both compositional restraint and timeless psychedelia. Nothing feels diluted, nothing feels redundant. This is a measured show of instrumental force, tinged by a well-suited production approach and harmonic mystique.
Prepare to get lost in the dark beauty of Death Of A Big Black Dog, at times loud, other times perfectly quiet.
