I've had the debut album from Effi Briest for about four months now and been meaning to do a piece on it for a while, I was prompted to do it now by iTunes random - it's good like that sometimes. I have listened to the album straight through twice today and I think it could end up being one of those underrated gems of 2010.
Effi Briest are an all female sextet from New York. If you want an older cross reference then you need look no further than Siouxsie, if you want something more recent, well maybe a little like a Warpaint if they based they're material on 80's Goth. The LP is out on the fantastic American label Sacred Bones (same label as Zola Jesus) named 'Rhizomes', I recommend you pick it up as soon as possible.
I say Warpaint as an instant name check because it's hypnotic and psychedelic, but this is infinitely more dark and dare I say, more impressive... (side note - also reminds me of another underrated band Bridezilla).
A cocktail of witchcraft and Goth, listen to album highlight "Nights" for proof, it's a tormented wail of brilliance. The title track is another perfect example and highlight, lead vocalist Kelsey Barrett's eases us gently into the song before it snaps in after a minute with full on yelps and barking vocals combined with prolonged thick bass lines and clanging, moody guitar work, with of course some pulsating tribal drum beat added to further enlarge the paranoia stakes. "Long Shadows" is similarly brooding, at times the guitar work made me think of some Adam & The Ants work from 'Kings of the Wild Frontier' era- hope that's ok! "Mirror Rim" is another highlight, an even more insane, intense tune than the ones mentioned previously.
So if you like the bands I've already mentioned or Esben & The Witch, or if you just like locking yourself up late at night and listening to some dark, sometimes disturbing but ultimately wonderful music. Do yourself a favour and Listen to the title track from the LP below and then buy it here.
Effi Briest - Rhizomes by morrisday
EFFI BRIEST - LONG SHADOW (OFFICIAL VIDEO) from HOLY COW COLLECTIVE on Vimeo.
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