BRIEF CANDLES

On the same label as Claps, but sounding completely different, Brief Candels (lovely band name) are from Milwaukee and can be situated in the shoegaze/postrock genre. It took them five years to come up with a new album, after "Brief Candles" (2003) and "They Live We Sleep" (2006).

You instantly get immersed in their murky waters and the combination between the male (Kevin Dixon) and female (Jenifer Boniger) voices adds to their charm. Brief Candles are not as smashing as Ride or My Bloody Valentine but they do a great job, offering cool songs like "The Completist" and "Sink Or Swim". I think their layered sound and powerful avalanches of basses and pedal-happy guitars can make anyone drop to his knees or at least nod their heads. I'm sure they are creating quite a following for themselves and I'd love to see them live sometime!

There are also some weird "deviations" to be found on "Fractured Days", in a strange way sounding just as natural as the rest of the album. Take "Nosferatu Monks", a 30 second psychogazebilly song that will put a smile on your face and lead you towards the perfectly titled last song, "Knock 'em Deaf". Recommended!

Brief Candles

Chris KONINGS
20/01/2012