Death and Vanilla - To Where the Wild Things Are
by Anthony Strutt
published: 21 / 5 / 2015
Label:
Fire Records
Format: CD
intro
Fine UK debut album from psychedelic-tinged Swedish two-piece, Death and Vanilla
Swedish duo Death and Vanilla make music which is as odd as it is compelling. Formed in Malmo by Marleen Nilsson and Anders Hansson in 2010, they released their debut EP. 2012 saw their eponymous debut album sell out on pre-orders, and them also receive and accept the invitation to score 1932 silent horror classic, 'Vampyr'. Now signed to Fire Records, they have released their debut UK album 'To Where the Wild Things Are', which has already been made Album of the Month by cool record shop, Rough Trade, whom have also thrown in a bonus EP to the deal. 'Necessary Distortions' opens the album, and combines restrained psychedelia with the dark elegance of Tindersticks, while Marleen's vocals recall the late Trish Keenan of Broadcast 'The Optic Nerve' floats off again into Broadcast territory and is played very gently as if not to awake a sleeping child. 'Arcana' is both hazy and gentle, smoky and exotic, an instant trip that transports you to the edges of your mind. 'California Owls' is like a slowed down 'Sunday Morning' by the Velvet Underground. 'Time Travel' is reminiscent of the Doors with its punchy keyboards, while Marleen's vocals dance in the summer brightness. 'Follow the Light' is lo-fi, and, introducing acoustic guitar, full of spring's bounce, like a child discovering things for the first time. 'Shadow and Shape' is seductive and hypnotic, and makes you dance on the wave lengths left behind. 'The Hidden Reverse', like the Raveonettes being told off for being too loud and way too fast, is slowed right on down. 'Moogskogen' is as haunting as 1970's horror soundtrack in its spooky oddness, while it's notes hang like the wrong leaves on the wrong tree. 'Something Unknown You Need to Know' swims along, taking you along for the ride on its own gentle journey. An intoxicating experience
Track Listing:-
1 Necessary Distortions2 The Optic Nerve
3 Arcana
4 California Owls
5 Time Travel
6 Follow the Light
7 Shadow and Shape
8 The Hidden Reverse
9 Moogskogen
10 Something Unknown You Need to Know
Band Links:-
http://deathandvanilla.bandcamp.com/https://www.facebook.com/pages/Death-And-Vanilla/114660564210
https://soundcloud.com/death-and-vanilla
https://twitter.com/death_vanilla
Label Links:-
https://twitter.com/firerecordingshttps://www.facebook.com/Firerecords
http://www.firerecords.com/
https://firerecords.bandcamp.com/
https://instagram.com/fire_records/
https://www.youtube.com/user/FirerecordsUK
Have a Listen:-
favourite album |
Death and Vanilla (2016) |
Anthony Strutt reflects upon Swedish duo Death and Vanilla’s recently reissued self-titled 2012 debut album |
soundcloud
reviews |
Flicker (2023) |
Latest album from Swedish dream pop trio Death and Vanilla ranges from engaging fare to a touch too much vanilla |
Are You a Dreamer? (2019) |
The Tenant (2018) |
most viewed articles
current edition
In Dreams Begin Responsibilities - #15- On Being Dignified and Old aka Ten Tips From Jah Wobble On How To Be Happy.The Church - Interview with Steve Kilbey
Simon Heavisides - Destiny Stopped Screaming: The Life and Times of Adrian Borland
Secret Shine - Interview
Vetchinsky Settings - Interview
Repomen - Ten Songs That Made Me Love...
Flaming Stars - Interview
Near Jazz Experience - Interview
Jack Roscoe - Interview
Sami Sumner - Interview
most viewed reviews
current edition
Kula Shaker - Natural MagickIan Hunter - Defiance Part 2: Fiction
Lewis 'Burner' Pugh - Bullets for Bread
Hillbilly Moon Explosion - Back in Time
Inutili - A Love Supreme
My Life Story - Loving You is Killing Me
Beyonce - Cowboy Carter
Smalltown Tigers - Crush On You
David Cross Band - Ice Blue Silver Sky
Ty Segall - Three Bells
Pennyblackmusic Regular Contributors
Adrian Janes
Amanda J. Window
Andrew Twambley
Anthony Dhanendran
Benjamin Howarth
Cila Warncke
Daniel Cressey
Darren Aston
Dastardly
Dave Goodwin
Denzil Watson
Dominic B. Simpson
Eoghan Lyng
Fiona Hutchings
Harry Sherriff
Helen Tipping
Jamie Rowland
John Clarkson
Julie Cruickshank
Kimberly Bright
Lisa Torem
Maarten Schiethart