Anyone who has perused these pages previously would be well aware of my fondness for all things Static Caravan. Starless & Bible Black are new to my ears, but just being on Static Caravan means its well worth the listen, as the label have continued consistently to release quality independent music. Covering many genres from subtle electronics, noise, folk and raucous psychedelia, the label always seems to surprise, with a knack for coveting varied musical styles with a strain of pop sensibility.
Starless & Bible Black launch with a gurgling wall of building noise, to enter something more pop oriented than previous Static Caravan releases. Reminiscent of our own The Church, strummed acoustic guitar melodies, wrapped around electric guitar tones and gentle percussion over a straight beat. The major difference is what we hear is female vocals, oh and how sweet they are, mesmerising in their subtlety and understated nature. Tonal synthesizer lines pepper the soundscape, giving a smoky mood to the alternate country sound of juxtaposed guitars. “Les Furies” plays out like a classic psychedelic folk masterpiece, while “Popty Ping” evokes late jazz drummers jamming with upright bass and Morricone guitars.
A mostly mellow affair from Starless & Bible Black, and yet another worthy release for the Static Caravan roster.
Wayne Stronell
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