Schonwald – Between Parallel Lights (CD Album – Anywave Records/Manic Depression Records)
Genre/Influences: Dream-pop, shoegaze, post-punk.
Background/Info: Driven by the creative mind of Alessandra Gismondi and Luca Bandini, the Schonwald duo is a kind of hidden treasure from Italy. After their debut album (cf. “Amplified Nature”) we had to wait 5 years to welcome their next album (cf. “Dream For The Fall”). “Between Parallel Lights” has been released a few months ago and is their 2nd work released on Anywave Records/Manic Depression Records.
Content: The sound of Schonwald clearly reminds me of some legendary 4AD bands like Cocteau Twins, but it also seems to find its inspiration in the realms of shoegaze music. There’s an interesting osmosis between dream-pop and shoegaze while we can imagine a sonic intercourse between The Jesus And Mary Chain, Cocteau Twins and even Suicide.
The songs have been written with low and deep resonating bass lines plus impressive, mewing guitar playing and cold electronic treatments. The tempo is pretty danceable and on top of the production you’ll be touched by the sensual and ghost-like vocals of Alessandra.
+ + + : This is an album with a perfect balance between dream-pop and shoegaze while carried by a great danceable tempo. The guitar playing is absolutely great and evoking the true spirit of the 80s. I also like the vocals, which inject a sexy, but cold impression. Last, but not least this album reveals an impressive number of great songs.
– – – : The artwork and especially available information is pretty sober, which for sure is another link with the 80s, but maybe not the best trick to catch a wider audience.
Conclusion: Schonwald has been contaminated by a real resistant 80s electro-wave virus and I hope there’s no vaccine available against this plague! This album sounds brilliant.
Best songs: “Victory”, “Venice”, “Directions”, “Silver Veins”, “Fury”.
Rate: (8½).
Band: www.facebook.com/schonwald.music
Label: www.anywaverecords.com / www.facebook.com/anywave.recs / www.manicdepressionrecords.com / www.facebook.com/manicdepressionrecords
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