Blonde Redhead – ‘The Shadow of the Guest’ album review: No sleep needed for this dream
THE SKINNY: Normally, when you get sent an album that you’re going to be reviewing, the PR company bombard you with as much information as possible so that no stone will be left unturned in the write-up. Between you and me, I don’t really pay much attention to these write-ups. They help a lot when you’re interviewing someone and want more information, but when you’re reviewing an album, I’ve always felt it’s best to go in blind and let the music speak for itself.
When I received the new Blonde Redhead album, The Shadow of the Guest, I was excited, given I’m already a fan of Blonde Redhead, but then fell perplexed at the lack of information supporting the album. “A long dream that finally came true,” were the only words that supported it, and honestly, going into this beautiful piece of music, that was the only description that I needed.
The Shadow of the Guest is an interesting record, as it provides some new songs from Blonde Redhead and some reimagined versions of tracks that already exist, such as ‘Rest of Her Life’ and ‘Via Savona’. Shoegaze is a genre which has always been celebrated because of the atmosphere it provides to songs, so this album, which takes shoegaze songs and adds a choir and ASMR features, truly is next level.
There is a sound so thick on this album that you could reach out and touch it, one of true transcending beauty that is tricky to do justice with words alone. The album is one that takes something good and makes it better, adding layers of beauty on top of something that was already beautiful. Blonde Redhead has truly outdone themselves with this, and it’s a marvel to listen to.
For fans of: Videos of magicians levitating, the concept of heaven and heated blankets.
A concluding comment from a siren: “Even I can’t fathom a noise so beautiful.”
The Shadow of the Guest track by track
‘Rest of Her Life’ (Choir Version): Euphoric from the word go. The build-up is fast, from a subtle intro into something that would emanate from the gates of heaven. This version of ‘Rest of Her Life’ exists in and of itself, paying homage to the original but taking on a brand new form in this beautiful style. [4.5/5]
‘Before’ (Choir Version): An upbeat and angelic number. Songwriters can take note from this melody, as it’s catchy and the kind of thing people would like to sing along to, but also isn’t thrown in the listener’s face. Blonde Redhead really excel themselves on this rendition of ‘Before’. [4/5]
‘Via Savona’ (Choir Version): Some songs define definition, and this is one of them. This doesn’t feel like a regular track you would listen to in your downtime; it sounds like the pathway to epiphany, an atmosphere so thick I could reach out and touch it. The way it builds, steadies itself, expands and evolves is unlike anything else out there. [5/5]
‘Coda’ (Choir Version): Steady piano starts us off, occasional hits of vocals dance in the background, all building slowly until that iconic vocal line kicks in. The whole thing feels elevated with the introduction of a choir, and a sound that you didn’t think could get any bigger, somehow does. [4.5/5]
‘Kiss Her Before The Snow Melts’ (ASMR): This 11-minute journey starts off with low-rebelling vocals and sporadic kicks on an electric drum. Synths are added, vocals layered, and different effects flood into the background until this linear piece of sound begins to resemble a mosaic. From then on, the song is one of ups and downs, with various interchanges, vocal additions and moods. It’s one that should be experienced rather than read about. [4/5]
‘Good Morning Sunshine’ (ASMR): A song that sounds as though you have been placed in the woodland from a Disney movie. A real ambience fills the entire track and creates a divine setting that is easy to get lost in. [4/5]
‘Good Night Til Tomorrow’ (ASMR): Following on from the theme of the last track ‘Good Night Til Tomorrow’ is a serene number that is as peaceful as the sleep in its title suggests. Would that you could cut off a corner of this song and carry it around you, a musical stress ball, something to ease you through troublesome times. An absolute marvel in every sense of the word. [4/5]
‘Oda to Coda’: A reimaging of ‘Coda’ (of sorts). The same chord structure and sequence is used, but it has a flamenco style inspiration behind it, with classical guitar and a small horn section making up the track. It’s a real thing of beauty to listen to and a perfect way to see out this album. [5/5]
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