COLD CAVE

"Love Comes Close"

Heartworm - 2009

CD / LP - 1000 copies

A real revelation coming from New York, Cold Cave are a duo made of Wes Eisold (known for his hardcore punk past) and Sarah Lipstate, recently expanded to a four-piece band with the arrival of, among the two new members, of Dominick Fernow, aka Prurient! They play an irresistible synthpop with a melancholic vein, in which pop melodies of exquisite 60s' taste and vaguely experimental echoes slip in. With already a few limited edition vinyl singles and EPs released, they debut now with their first proper album (if we don't count the ultra-limited "Coma Potion" LP, sold exclusively through the Internet).

The core of Cold Cave's music are the vocals, both male and female, alternating on a scene made of sparkling synths, electronic drumming and thin guitar sounds in some songs, with absolute spontaneity and a taste for simple and surely not too original, yet terribly seducing melodies. It's the case of "The Laurels Of Erotomania" and "Youth And Lust", true little jewels of retro electropop, while "Life Magazine", "Hello Rats", and the title-track, with their guitar chords and Sarah's siren-like voice, conjure 60s' memories of gaudy colours and lightheartedness. Actually, reading the lyrics, you realize that it's melancholy and sadness to feed these New Yorkers' music. Initial "Cebs And Me" and even "The Trees Grew Emotions And Died" show slightly more experimental corners, making think of some of Cabaret Voltaire's stuff, whereas "Heaven Was Full" and final "I.C.D.K." have something of the very first Human League.

By now, you probably understood what Cold Cave's references are, so, if you love a lighter and more melodic, yet not predictable electro sound, you should definitely check these promising Yankees out.

- Simon V.

Website: http://coldcave.blogspot.com

Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/coldcave