Blake’s Optimism – These Things & Us (Vinyl 7” – Steelwork Maschine)
Genre/Influences: Martial, neo-folk, dark-ambient.
Background/Info: Blake’s Optimism is a new French duo unleashing their official debut work. Both members already gained some experience in other bands. Notice by the way this vinyl is strictly limited to 300 copies.
Content: This vinyl features 4 tracks; 2 songs on each side. The first song from each disc deals with a darker sound finding its inspiration in the realms of martial and dark-ambient music. The sphere of horror has been accentuated by spoken sampled speeches. Both other songs move in another direction, touching neo-folk ground. We get something totally different although often related with martial music. This kind of music will appeal to fans of Death In June.
+ + + : I especially like the martial and dark-ambient tracks, which both have a strong visual appeal. Both songs are pretty vintage-like reminding me of some 80s experiments while the obscure and terror-like atmosphere reinforces the sensation you get during the listening.
– – – : The Death In June influence is quite recognizable in both neo-folk inspired songs, but also in the symbols of the artwork. Blake’s Optimism maybe has to make a choice about the sound they want to move on with. Speaking for myself I prefer their darker, martial/ambient side.
Conclusion: Blake’s Optimism will appeal to lovers of martial and neo-folk music. The vinyl format is strictly limited and so you never know, this vinyl might become a collector’s item!
Best songs: “Prepare, Prepare!!!”, “Die Schwarzmarsch”.
Rate: (6½).
Band: www.facebook.com/blakesoptimism
Label: www.steelwork–maschine.com / www.facebook.com/pages/Steelwork–Maschine/143072672415632
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I have been working for over 30 years with Side-line as the main reviewer. My taste is eclectic, uncoventional and I prefer to look for the pearls, even if the bands are completely unknown, thus staying loyal to the Side-Line philosophy of nurturing new talents.
