SORRY, HEELS
"Distances" EP
Emerged back in 2011 from the ashes of the cult band Chants of Maldoror, Italy's Sorry, Heels has reshaped their Post-Punk genetics into an odd mix of sensuous tunes and abrasive noise-rock discharges. Their debut EP, "Wasted", already reported on the quartet's creative output, but the new one, "Distances", shows us a band who steadily heads towards its artistic north while exploring different moods and discordant sounds. I must admit that these five tracks have struck me in a way I wasn't expecting. Firstly I was taken aback by the drowsy, strangely poignant feel that "Longing For Distance" provides. Through its course, the track switches between iridiscent passages driven by mellow string figures and others more unsettling which are built on fuzzed-up chords and loud crashes of cymbals. Its lysergic, anxiety-inducing vibe reminds me the bleakest Velvet Underground, while there's some No Wave heritage in its aching rawness and Fabiano pays true homage to the Goth forefathers near the end by soloing his way up the neck of guitar. "Where The Heart Is" also stands out in this repertoire. Again some sort of emotional helplessness takes root in the environment, though this time the narcotic fumes are Shoegaze-coloured. It's easy to be carried away by the eerily provocative vocals and thereby visualise a blurred image of Simona singing with a vintage microphone, moving to the velvety bass cadences against a background of red velvet curtains. However, this band has a special ability to fluently go from the dreamy to the piercing and thus the song features some ardient Post-Punk breaks to relish in. "The Lapse" is non-generic indie rocker, tempting and gritty, propelled by echoing bass, precise percussion and flawless guitar moans and shrieks. "A Song From Below" ignits with its centre of gravity swinging to pristine melodies and airy chants, but over the last third gloom begins to sprinkle down and both guitars densely make the slow-burn in duet. "Secretly Done" comes apparently upbeat through Cure-esque ringing tunes and twisted-pop vocals. There's a worrying feel growing under that ends to be released in the choruses by guitars with early The Cult's allure. In short, "Distances" EP comprises five tracks where longings are fuelled with purified rock impurity.
Review by Billyphobia
- 01. Where The Heart Is
- 02. The Lapse
- 03. A Song From Below
- 04. Secretly Done
- 05. Longing For Distance