Released on: 27th March 2020
Bands like The Birthday Massacre are a rare occurrence. Where, under no obligation, they consistently create thematic songs that are as engaging and as emotionally charged as the tunes from when the group first appeared many, many moons ago. And it is a big thing. For to think that one band, one that has been active for twenty years, has not only maintained but innovated their own sound without resorting to calling in Lou Reed is a grand accomplishment, and deserved of only the highest accolades.
Diamonds They call it. The new album from the Canadian sextet. A strong release that is lyrically opaque and yet self-effacing. Complimented with a myriad of high powered and preternatural synth passages, and gloried guitar chords. Which faithfully culminate into a hybridised and dark progression of neon de-facto inspired by the 80’s Lords of Moog.
Where the sounds generated on this album are mostly ghostly and fitting. Bolshy when they need be, to spread and form ground. And innocuous behind the curtain of heavy noise and prettified misery. The synth work on Diamonds, as is often the case with TBM, sounds like falling stars against a backdrop of densely attenuated guitar riffs. And there’s something otherworldly about the way all of this is put together. And it is both frightening and awe inspiring. Like fear and wonder.
The Birthday Massacre are like a dark filter that can be applied to any situation that will darken your thoughts and make the world seem so much more, mysterious, and cool. With Diamonds being another immaculate release. And although like many of TBM’s other album it might seem like an Alice Liddell fever dream, if it is I want whatever cake it is that they are eating.
9/10
