The Pitch: "Heavy, Low, & Witchy" Cleveland doom and post-metal band Frayle get their EP pressed to physical format by Lay Bare Recordings and Seeing Red Records. The female-fronted duo purport to "create music for the night sky" influenced by the diverse likes of Kyuss, Portishead, Chelsea Wolf, Massive Attack, and Björk.
What I Like: I was initially on the fence about reviewing this EP, but being a big Portishead fan they sealed the deal by covering one of my favorite songs, "Wandering Star." It's hard to beat Beth Gibbons' haunting vocals, but Frayle expertly translate this song to post-metal without losing anything in the process. And fortunately the duo also has plenty to offer in terms of original compositions. "Let The Darkness In" and "Things That Make Us Bleed" are both moody, somewhat ominous siren songs that meld the sludgy desert riffs of Kyuss with a softer touch. Definitely drawing comparisons here to the Julie Christmas/Cult Of Luna collab as well as Undersmile on the doomy title track.
Critiques: The sound is a little sparse. Things seem to come together best on the last two tracks, but there's a sense that something is missing. I'd particularly veer away from the simplistic and somewhat generic approach of "The White Witch." The stirring interlude and guitar tricks of "Things That Make Us Bleed" are the way to go.
The Verdict: The White Witch is an evocative little EP that demonstrates Frayle's potential and atmospheric strengths. While they could work on increasing the complexity and intricacy of their compositions, color me interested in hearing more. Digital is out right now with physical versions coming next Friday.
Flight's Fav's: Things That Make Us Bleed, Wandering Star
- Review by FlightOfIcarus
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