Modern new wave releases have a shrill of intrigue about them. The
reverberated guitar has been a long standing tradition in new wave, put
together with digital age technology and advanced synthesizers - you get the
music of Frankie Rose. She released her sophomore album Interstellar last
year after being a member of Crystal Stilts, Dum Dum Girls, and the Vivian
Girls for numerous years. Interstellar is 32 minutes long, boasting the
best of 2012s new wave / electronica. I placed Interstellar at 16 on my
2012 end of year list, that’s a feat in itself. Since seeing Rose live at
Tramlines last year (a sublime performance), she's signed with Fat Possum and
announced the release of her third album Herein Wild. She premiered the
pre-release single "Sorrow" a couple of months back and now it's time
for the jaw-dropping follow-up that makes Herein Wild one of the most
anticipated fall albums.
Realising her true talent lies within the soundscapes of ethereal new wave,
Rose set out to create a kaleidoscope-esque sophomore album with Interstellar.
By combining the sweet harmonies of new wave and the extricated gutting
sounds of post-punk, Interstellar fulfilled all hopes of an undisputed
underrated gem. Fat Possum and Rose are hoping for a more auspicious
reception with Herein Wild, as the track "Street of Dreams" suggests.
Using the simplistic drum machine and eerie guitar riff, "Street of
Dreams" becomes more and more sinister as it progresses. Rose's
layered vocal fits the sluggish Bauhaus mood perfectly. It ends with two
minutes of Jean Michel Jarre ambience. The dark, mysterious delay sets off this
demonic atmosphere. Possibly a link to the next track, or just the devotee to
"Street of Dreams", either way, both sections are fascinating.
~Eddie
