Curtain – Spiral (Digital/CD/Vinyl Album – Manic Depression Records)
The French band Curtain released their debut album in 1996. Over the following decade, they released a handful of additional workss before entering a long period of silence. In 2024, however, they returned with a new album. Now there’s the new full length “Spiral”, released in various formats and featuring nine tracks.
It is a diverse work that, while firmly rooted in Dark-Wave, is enriched with elements of other styles such as Dark-Pop and EBM. The overall sound is dark and, at times, deliberately raw in its production. The vocals have a dreamy quality, yet they adapt well to the mood of each song. The lyrics are performed in both English and French. The heavier moments are particularly noteworthy, especially on the second track, where the band incorporates EBM influences. It is a bold choice, but one that works remarkably well.
“Spiral” is a varied and engaging album, ensuring that most listeners will find something that appeals to them. Personally, I am most drawn to the heavier tracks. (Rating:7½).
Listen to “Fire”:
About Curtain
Curtain are a Parisian band that emerged from the French coldwave scene, mixing coldwave, post-punk and dark wave with lyrics in both French and English. The group is now a trio: Ema B on vocals, guitar and synth, François Peronet on bass, and Céline Rolland on synth, lyrics and videos.
Earlier releases include “Urban Disease” and “No Flowers by Request”, the latter reissued in 2021 by MusikÖ_Eye. The band returned with “Between Us” in 2024 on Manic Depression Records. Their new album “Spiral” was released on 6 May 2026, recorded and mixed by Franck Amendola of Corpus Delicti.
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.
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