WRITTEN BY JAE F (@_THEGHOULNEXTDOOR)The City Gates, a Montreal-based post-punk/gaze band, reached out to Darkness Calling to review their 2021 sophomore LP Age of Resilience.
Released via their own imprint Velouria Recordz and in collaboration with Icy Cold Records, read on to find out how Age of Resilience scored with us.
1. Nowhere Nagasaki
Age of Resilience starts out with a stunning, shoegaze instrumental track that is reminiscent of Slowdive’s “Good Day Sunshine.” Lush guitar sounds and dreamy synth tones are a welcoming start to a tremendous ride of post-punk and shoegaze inspired brilliance.
2. The Pyre
Wasting no time showing the listener exactly what The City Gates is about, “The Pyre” picks up the pace with this danceable post-punk track. Beautifully melancholic, while still maintaining an upbeat sound, Maxime’s alluring vocals take hold and keep you entranced.
3. Cape of Good Hope
Moving back towards the shoegaze sound that welcomed us on the first track, “Cape of Good Hope” once again lures us in with swirling, ethereal tones, deeply dark bass notes, and dreamlike vocals. An absolutely beautiful track that could easily satiate any shoegaze, post-punk, or dream pop fan.
4. Tending a Dead Woman's Garden
This is quite possibly one of my favorite song titles — EVER! With a brilliantly macbre-tinged name, this track hits all the 90’s goth qualities I love in a song. Moody vocals, fast paced reverb, a downstroke sound, and a slight Sisters of Mercy influence. This is five minutes of pure post-punk pleasure that could easily be an addition to any ‘Hot Goth Summer’ playlist.
5. Le Silence
Reminiscent of 80’s post punk, “Le Silence” is another stellar track that creates a stunning, atmospheric feeling for the listener. With a Cure-like sound and dreamy, almost disconsolate vocals, one cannot help but feel the encapsulated sadness that “Le Silence” brings forth.
6. Roman Empire
While every song on Age of Resilience is an absolute winner from start to finish, “Roman Empire” stands out as my favorite song on the album. Starting off with an 80’s synth-laden sound, the song then moves back to the somber, and almost tenebrous post-punk style we’ve seen showcased throughout this album. Sexy and seductive, “Roman Empire” is a must-listen track that transports the listener to a dark and beautiful place.
7. Siegfried 1969
Taking a slightly different direction in style, “Siegfried 1969” starts off with She Wants Revenge-esque synth and monotone vocals that the late, great Ian Curtis would appreciate. Stripped down, minimalistic, and very 80’s, The City Gates takes these elements and makes them their own. While this song is unlike any other on the album, it still manages to feel at home and cohesive with the overall brooding theme showcased in Age of Resilience.
8. Claiming Race
Keeping with the minimalistic, monotone sound, “Claiming Race” adds some frenetic energy to the album with this danceable and upbeat song. While it’s faster paced than its predecessors, “Claiming Race” still keeps the post-punk sound prevalent throughout the album. I personally love the way this track shakes up Age of Resilience, while still showcasing the band’s artistic direction.
9. Copenhagen
As we near the end of the album, “Cophenhagen” returns to the shoegaze and ethereal sound that initially drew us in. Focusing on reverb-laced guitar sounds and vocals that are a subtle nod to one of my favorite bands, Jesus and Mary Chain. This song could have easily been an early/mid 90’s shoegaze hit, as it flawlessly replicates the style, while still maintaining their own identity.
10. Slush
Fans of The Sisters of Mercy’s later releases will appreciate the melodic and intoxicating sound brought forth with “Slush.” With alluring vocals and hauntingly beautiful music, The City Gates create a sound that instantly lures you in and keeps you hooked.
11. Foghorn's City
The last song on Age of Resilience, “Foghorn’s Cry” wraps up an incredible album with a beautifully enchanting song that once again pays homage to Jesus and Mary Chain. Touching on shoegaze, post-punk, and even dream pop, “Foghorn’s Cry” showcases the talent and flexibility of the band, while still allowing their own identity to shine through.
While I usually take issue with bands showcasing a number of genres on an album, The City Gates has managed to flawlessly execute each style — allowing each song to maintain its own sound and style, yet weaving them all together to create a cohesive, brilliant release.
By far one of the best albums of 2021, The City Gates' Age of Resilience has earned a much deserved 5/5 on the Bat Scale!
No comments:
Post a Comment