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Perhaps it takes an outsider to skillfully point out the dark underbelly of America. The British seem especially good at doing this by using America's own stylings and pop culture elements. Perhaps because the Brits are close, but not too close, to American culture to get a different picture than we do. That step-and-a-half away gives them perspective that it's hard for most Americans to get.
Director Sam Mendes did a good job of shining a light on the sickly secrets of America with his movie "American Beauty". So does Richard Neuberg with his band Viarosa and they're great CD "Where the Killers Run".
"Where the Killers Run" is assembled from what are nominally American elements: Rock, Country, and Appalachianesque Americana. If there is a "Southern Gothic" musical genre then Viarosa has found the southern somewhere in England. This CD is gothic in the best sense of the word: moody, with an unhurried menace that can only be called sinister. This isn't a plodding recording though: it's measured, not dirgey. The careful pace pulls you into the band's head-space like a 60s psychedelic album.
Neurberg spins stories that are somber and sooty. Loss, fear, and sin mingle in a strange, nostalgic setting that is both rural America and mythic Europe. Richard understands the best horror can jump out at you at anytime. That it's scary because it's not far away but around the corner or in the apartment next door. Luckily for the listener his voice is perfect for these ballads of murder and misery.
Neurberg's voice comes from the borderland between Michael Gira and Mark Lanegan. It's brooding but not as gravelly or talky as Nick Cave's or Leonard Cohen's. Nueberg can sing and is smart enough to add the vocal stylings of Emma Seal to the mix. She's a perfect counterpoint to Richard's voice. The two of them weave together perfectly through out this recording.
It's easy to think of this as a simple album, but that's misleading. There's a lot going on during each song. The songs are so well written and the production so good that nothing is overpowering, everything works together. "Where the Killers Run" reminds me what good production is: every instrument is focused but never to the point of dulling the songs down. All the jagged points are still there, the production makes sure we can hear them all fit together. That tight fit can also be found in the CD's packaging.
From the album cover to the songs inside this CD comes over like a scrapbook. Stories and memories flutter by with the turn of the page. They are faded but not lost, ethereal but potent. Pick up this album and spent some time getting lost in another person's past.
PS: If between this recording and "Sadlands" by Palodine Tarnished records may be my new favorite record label.
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Viarosa
http://www.viarosatheband.co.uk/
Tarnished Records
http://www.tarnishedrecords.com/
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