What a pleasure to find a new and unexpected box of Digitalis Limited tapes waiting on my doorstep one afternoon, and even better for it containing a new release from Beru (Jessica Collins), from whom we haven’t heard any new music since 2010′s “Daughter Of Eve” (also released on Digitalis Limited).
Seriously honored to be able to highlight this collection of dark, twisted, and noisy love songs as our cassette of the week. The strength of Collins’ experimental, “noise pop” structures matches wits against the vulnerability of her voice in a way that we can’t help but listen to again and again and again and again . . . .
This new project comes at us from the mighty Tour De Garde label in Montréal, Canada. Tour De Garde is more often considered to be a Black Metal label (the best Black Metal label, in our opinion), but digging through their catalog you’ll find more than one death ambient masterpiece to explore. This particular title comes from a new duo project called Perinde Ac Cadaver. I’ve heard the term “astral” inappropriately used to describe synthesizer or experimental music in the past, and loathe to make that mistake myself when talking up this gem. However, I can’t deny that I get a vague sense of an impending visit (or invasion?) by some grand alien lifeforms a la Close Encounters when listening to these ritualistic sounding, sidelong tracks of mainly synthesizer based death ambient.
This is the first cassette by the band, and I’ve been told that a follow up is in the works already. I don’t expect, however, this to be yet another synth group who’s intent is to bury you under a dozen cassette releases in the coming year. Knowing the people involved with the project and the high standards of Tour De Garde, quality control will be of utmost importance.
Unquestionably, this debut is a must for your collection. It’s been on my “highly anticipated” list for months now, and I’m thrilled that it’s finally arrived and has been burning up my tape deck fairly consistently all week.
