Shiny Darkly
Little Earth
June 8 2015 (Crunchy Frog)
8/10
Words: Leanne Crowley
Post-punk noise flows from the current hive of such activity, Copenhagen, in the form of a full LP offering from Shiny Darkly. After marking their territory in the autumn of last year with the release of single ‘Soft Skin', they now ingratiate themselves fully into the scene.
Often compared to fellow Danes Iceage, Shiny Darkly have more in common with the garage rock sound emerging from the streets of London; The Horrors being drawn in parallel comparison to them. This nine-track offering bursts into life with an electronica vibe in title track ‘Little Earth'. The lulling vocal style of Kristoffer Bech is immediately evident, and it is quickly obvious why this band are causing such a stir across Europe as their approach is quite different to the others aroud doing the same or similar. The synth fluctuates and complements the guitar and bass elements before rolling to a dramatic close. ‘Animal Fate' features a lengthier intro, moody and melodic, and you can see how they are going for a fresh approach to a tried and tested method; and the results are captivating.
The ever haunting vocals of Bech reek of Joy Division's Curtis on ‘Soft Skin', whilst exhibiting edgy electronica and just enough of a hint back to 80s nostalgia. The contrasting doom-ridden guitar ensures the pace is relentless and the energy untempered, this track hits out in all the right ways. A strong drum beat from Mads Lassen is the outlining feature of ‘Eternal Chase' and its intensity drives the track forward. The vocals are less prevalent than we are used to, but it works and the track flows smoothly.
‘Sacred Floor' has been around for a while now and those familiar with the band with be aware of the probing bass line which comes courtesy of Oliver Matthew Volz. This track is dark, moody and melodic and really is Shiny Darkly at their very best with no holds barred. Bech's vocal prowess is in full bloom and hints of David Bowie shine through in the range he employs. A minor intonation is present in ‘Ignorance' and as the drums pound, an incessant bass line drags the track right from the 80s to the present day.
The album draws to an end with the nine-minute-plus masterpiece ‘Dead Stars'. Previously released on an EP of the same name, the LP version has been cleaned and polished to perfection and has every right to be featured here. It rounds the album off neatly and sets the bar for things to come.
'Little Earth' is an ice cool offering and despite the clear 80s influence which smarts throughout, its dark intensity and pop shards push it way past pastiche.
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