MoggBlog art-rock favourites Sylvette return with their second album to date ‘Stiller Than Still’. For an outfit that specialise in alternative rock with a twist of art-rock in the mix, this album is as far from being ‘still’ as possible, in a good way. Sylvette joined forces with New Order guitarist Phil Cunningham and Bad Lieutenant band mate and producer Jack Evans to produce the astonishing new album. Drawing influences from the likes of Led Zeppelin, Jeff Buckley, Björk and Aphex Twin, the atmospheric sound of Sylvette will leave you breathless.
‘Visions of the Deep’ enters in a melancholic fashion, and captivates with it’s haunting melody. Kicking off the album in true Sylvette manner, this number specialises in drawing listeners in, waiting for what’s to come next. Title track ‘Stiller than Still’ feels like the lovechild of Jeff Buckley’s ‘Dream Brother’ and Page & Plant’s eastern influence on their version of the Zeppelin classic ‘Kashmir’. Enchanting, you’ll need to pick your jaw up off the floor with this one.
A personal favourite of mine from Sylvette, I still remember the first moment I heard ‘Memories’ … truly speechless. Hear what I think of the track fully here. Same goes for the vibrant track, ‘Surrender’. ‘Sometimes I Pretend’ uses yearning melodies and playful rhythms to illustrate it’s story and gives it a tribal feel. A never heard before Sylvette track and it will sure be turning heads. ‘Kelpius’ nudges the band down an electronic-rock path, and feels like it plays ode to Radiohead and Nine Inch Nails. Still holding onto their dark-inspired chord progressions, this experimental wonder is another string to Sylvette’s ever-growing bow.
‘Panel of Glass’ is a previously released single that unveils itself in a poetic manner. It tells the story of Charlie (lead singer of Sylvette) reminiscing a conversation he had with his father at the age of 9 after his grandmother had died. Find out more about what I think of Panel of Glass here. ‘Lobotomy of Love’ is a rollercoaster of emotions, and feels like the rebirth of Jeff Buckley’s sound. A captivating open sound that stands as another example that Sylvette are destined to be stars.
‘The Owl’ may be the longest track on the album, at just under 7 minutes long, but sees the band in a completely different light. Complimenting with choir like vocals that feel euphoric, ‘The Owl’ is the most progressive track on the release. Last track ‘Divide Myself’ is an exceptional end to an honest album from quite possibly, one of my favourite up and coming bands that I’ve had the pleasure of reviewing.
Score: 9/10
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Sylvetteband/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Sylvetteband
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sylvetteband/
Website: http://sylvette.co.uk/
Bandcamp: https://sylvette.bandcamp.com/
