Review: 10.25.2007
THE NIGHT IS YOUNG
Good Goth, Blood Alone CD's a reason to rejoice
Aimsel L. Ponti
October 25, 2007
The witching hour is Saturday night as my favorite Goth band, By Blood Alone, headlines at Geno's in celebration of their new album, "Seas of Blood."
Last week at the Music Foundation event, I finally met the dude I've been e-mailing with for at least three years: By Blood Alone's John Graveside. I gave him a spontaneous big hug, 'cause I'm a chronic hugger, and asked him to send some of that happy, huggy energy to BBA's vocalist, Melynda "Cruella" Amann. As many of you know, Amann was diagnosed with breast cancer in August, and John told me that she's doing well, although the chemotherapy treatments are hell on earth.
If all goes as planned, Cruella's gonna rally on Saturday night and join her band for an encore song. Melynda, I'm sending you more good vibrations than Marky Mark can shake a stick at.
As for the "Seas of Blood" record. I charmed Graveside into sending me a secret link and was able to listen to all eight tracks. By the time I was through, every stitch of my clothing had turned dark black and the smile on my face was sinister.
"Serpentarius," for example, is double trouble with Graveside's stinging guitar and Jenny Williamson's hypnotizing keyboards. Jack Doran's bass and the drums from Runtt further guide Cruella's vocal quest for the 13th sign. The song flirts with eight minutes and takes an unexpected turn into a quiet, moody landscape about two-thirds into it. There's a sense of foreboding and a terrific, complex array of instrumental and vocal sounds that escort the song back up to its feverish pace.
I know I harp a lot on the whole "Goth" angle, but let's be clear: By Blood Alone's sound goes way beyond that. There's a melodic intelligence ever-present, and you'll be able to rock out while also hiding yourself away in a quiet, secret place.
"Undead Friend" starts off with piano and simple percussion. "Flesh is falling off your bones, while you stand in front of me," sings Cruella, sounding divine as synthesizers make their way into the song. Then, out of nowhere, drums and Graveside's guitar kick in. The song doesn't get out of second gear, and that's one of the things I love about it. It's got a big, power- ballad feel to it, but instead of corny lyrics, Cruella is singing about rotting bodies. Two thumbs up!
"Lovely Lies" will grab you with a leather-clad hand by the throat and slam you against a brick wall, but you won't complain. This is another one that melds electric guitar with keyboards sublimely. An organ gives it a dirge quality as Cruella's words tell an ex, no way Jos.
Visit By Blood Alone online at By Blood Alone. While you're at it, head over and bookmark benefitformelyanda.org to keep tabs on Cruella's recovery and to see the many ways you can help.
By Blood Alone CD release show & Halloween Party, with Big Coffin Hunters and Project Seven, 9 p.m. Saturday, Geno's Rock, Club, 21+, $5