REVIEW: THIS MORTAL COIL - BLOOD

 

THIS MORTAL COIL - BLOOD (4 AD Recs., 2000)

Produced by Ivo Watts Russell

Recorded at Blackwing Studios, London

Artwork by Nigel Grierson

Tracks: 1- The Lacemaker, 2- Mr. Somewher, 3- Andialu, 4- With Tomorrow, 5- Loose Joints, 6- You and Your sister, 7- Nature´s Way, 8- I come and Stand at your door, 9- Bitter, 10- Baby Ray Baby, 1- Several Times, 12- Lacemaker II, 13- Late Night, 14- Ruddy and Wretched, 15- Help me Lift you Up, 16- Carolyn´s Song, 17- D.D. and E., 18- Til I gain Control Again, 19- Dreams are Like Water, 20- I Am the Cosmos, 21- (Nothing but) Blood

This Mortal Coil always amazes me with the diversity of their material. They can be climatic, dense. They can also be sort of celtic, sort of pop. They mix influences and then they regurgitate thema as their own music (obviously there is some Cocteau Twins in there). The main thing here is the expereimentation with female vocals, using many of them (here participate as guest vocalists Kim Deal (The Breeders) and Tanya Donelly (ex-Belly). The music is very dense, abusing some atmospheres and with heavy use of effects and synths. The music is ethereal and sometimes leaves you waiting for a conclusion that never comes. Piano parts and keyboards combined with harmonized vocals. Favorite tracks: "With Tomorrow", "Several Times" and Til I Gain Control Again". Contact: www.4adrecords.com