MoggBlog art-rock favourites Sylvette return with their second album to date โStiller Than Stillโ. For an outfit that specialise in alternative rock with a twist of art-rock in the mix, this album is as far from being โstillโ 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, Bjรถrk and Aphex Twin, the atmospheric sound of Sylvette will leave you breathless.
โVisions of the Deepโ enters in a melancholic fashion, and captivates with itโs haunting melody. Kicking off the album in true Sylvette manner, this number specialises in drawing listeners in, waiting for whatโs to come next. Title track โStiller than Stillโ feels like the lovechild of Jeff Buckleyโs โDream Brotherโ and Page & Plantโs eastern influence on their version of the Zeppelin classic โKashmirโ. Enchanting, youโll 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 โMemoriesโ โฆ truly speechless. Hear what I think of the track fully here. Same goes for the vibrant track, โSurrenderโ. โSometimes I Pretendโ uses yearning melodies and playful rhythms to illustrate itโs story and gives it a tribal feel. A never heard before Sylvette track and it will sure be turning heads.ย โKelpiusโ 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 Sylvetteโs ever-growing bow.
โPanel of Glassโ 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 Loveโ is a rollercoaster of emotions, and feels like the rebirth of Jeff Buckleyโs sound. A captivating open sound that stands as another example that Sylvette are destined to be stars.
โThe Owlโ 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, โThe Owlโ is the most progressive track on the release.ย Last track โDivide Myselfโ is an exceptional end to an honest album from quite possibly, one of my favourite up and coming bands that Iโve had the pleasure of reviewing.ย
Score: 9/10
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Website: http://sylvette.co.uk/
Bandcamp: https://sylvette.bandcamp.com/