1. Requiem For The Sun – From Lost Hymns – A Cloud Of Ravens – Nexilis Records
2. Rite And Ritual – From Lost Hymns – A Cloud Of Ravens – Nexilis Records
3. Obsidian Waltz – From Lost Hymns – A Cloud Of Ravens – Nexilis Records
Diving into some Darkness this evening via A Cloud Of Ravens, New York post-Punk/Darkwave duo via their new album, Lost Hymns which came out just recently.
Formed in 2018 by Matthew McIntosh (guitar and vocals) and Beth Narducci (bass guitar), the Brooklyn-based duo emerged on the burgeoning dark music scene with a series of self-released offerings that garnered attention that led to their 2021 album ‘Another Kind of Midnight’, a mournful yet triumphant collection exploring the heart of a world amidst a devastating pandemic and torn by moral tribalism. Growing up in a family of avid music lovers and her mother being a professional opera single, McIntosh arrived at this genre of music after ample explorations in the punk, death rock and hardcore scenes, finally forging the duo’s trademark sound with Narducci, whose background is more connected with alternative rock and industrial music, as well as professionally supporting fellow musicians in the A&R field.
A band that certainly conjures up sonic testaments from a number of influences, A Cloud Of Ravens turns up darkness with a certain undeniable warmth. Shrouds of mystery and a deep complex soundscape combine for a richly textured experience that takes this duo a few steps ahead of most bands of the genre. Certainly gives darkness a beating heart.
Excellent production with an imaginative palette of tonal color make for a truly satisfying experience – one that begs repeat listenings because, like a good book, each subsequent reading offers up new insights – and that is a major plus in A Cloud Of Ravens favor.
Needless to say, this is an album to grab and give full attention – Lost Hymns is available via Bandcamp as well as their earlier material.
In the meantime . . .
