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10/10 Avi
VISIT, THE - Through Darkness Into Light - CD - Indie - 2015
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The Visit is the Canadian duo of cellist Raphael Weinroth-Browne (of Musk
Ox, whose latest release we reviewed here)
and vocalist Heather Sita Black, and the power and beauty they produce is beyond
comprehension.
This duet is enwrapping with its intimacy and its well-articulated musical
adventurousness. It is exotic and dark, and yet classical. The duo manages to
avoid the clichés of metal and world music by assimilating only the true
essence of these influence into the avant garde chamber setting.
Weinroth-Browne playing is storming yet well disciplined. It often carries a
heavy metal feel, especially in the heavy, overwhelming setting it conveys; but
it is of an equal appeal to modern, classical music aficionados who can
appreciate the works of Shostakovich. With just one instrument, Weinroth-Brown
weaves an intricate, intense plot.
Heather Sita Black is every bit as attractive as
her companion. This is not a trivial compliment coming from us, as we are not
ones to admire classical music derived vocals nor do we care much about
symphonic female vocals when used in metal (or rock music). But Sita Black is something else. She is a true vocal artist,
and she portrays emotions and turmoil even when she sings wordlessly, and she
explores the music in an avant garde
fashion as well as delivers it with appropriate natural beauty that brings her lyrics -
poems of ache, anguish and dissolution as well as of revival - to life. Her
presence is exotic, as she occasionally incorporates eastern motifs into her
vocalization; as does Weinroth-Browne into his cello playing, in a perfectly
befitting manner (listen to "Offering"!).
The closest thing we have heard recently that comes anywhere near the music
captured on this album is Empty Days' performance of John Downland's
"Flow My Tears" (read here), but The Visit's music
is all original and every bit as riveting and thrilling, if not more so; and it
lasts throughout the entire album. This is emotive, acoustic music that speaks
louder than any distortion can get, and has a cinematic quality that will
enthrall you for fifty five minutes.
Holding equal amounts of classicism and avant garde, Through Darkness Into
Light is a masterpiece that is both harsh and sublime. (10/10)
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