And Now The Owls Are Smiling – Epitaph
And Now The Owls Are Smiling – Epitaph
Clobber Records
Release Date: 02/09/22
Running Time: 50:53
Review by Rick Eaglestone
9/10
This one has already got me, firstly I am excited that there is something new but at the same time a little sad knowing that this is in fact the final release from And Now The Owls Are Smiling with the aptly named “Epitaph”.
Starting off this perilous journey of heartache is longest track of the album. ‘Everyday Another Piece of Me is Removed’ is undeniably mournful and in places it does slightly remind me of Sopor Aeternus. Continuing is my favourite track of the release ‘Monochrome Visions of What Life Used to Be’, which burns through like a nearly expired candle – the atmospherics entwined in this track are also immensely difficult to tear yourself away from.
‘In Darkness, Light Candles So the Demons Can Find Me’ has my favourite vocals. I love the dual vocal approach and if anything, it adds to the aesthetic of this final release – a great follow up track. There is a slight change in pace with ‘Winter’s Elegy Part II’ which feature guest vocals from Linds Bestwicke, that add a very pagan feel into the mix.
Although lyrically sorrowful and urgent ‘The Miserable Grip of Comfort’ has a slightly early Amorphis feel to it which drifts into ‘There is No Laughter Here’ effortlessly. There is a short instrumental break with ‘L’appel Du Vide’ before final track and cover of Radiohead’s ‘Street Spirit (Fade Out)’ which is a beautiful track in the first instance and Nre manages to execute it very well whilst adding his style to it – never did I imagine hearing this track in this way, but within the context of “Epitaph” it’s absolute perfection.
Cherish this one dear reader as the owls will not smile again.
‘Monochrome Visions Of What Life Used to Be’ Official Audio
TRACKLISTING:
01. Everyday Another Piece of Me is Removed
02. Monochrome Visions of What Life Used to Be
03. In Darkness, Light Candles So the Demons Can Find Me
04. Winter’s Elegy Part II
05. The Miserable Grip of Comfort
06. There is No Laughter Here
07. L’appel Du Vide
08. Street Spirit (Fade Out)
LINE-UP:
Nre – All Vocals And Instruments
LINKS:
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