Two Step Horror – Nyctophilia (2014) review
Two Step Horror “Nyctophilia” (2014)
Two-Step Horror, duo Thordur Grímsson and Anna Margrét
Björnsson, have released their third album, Nyctophilia. For listeners of this
group, the work may be their best effort to date. The nine tracks pay homage to
the blues tradition and admirably rework the classic model. The record begins
with the instrumental, “Somebody Sleeping”, and one immediately spotlights
the quality of the sound production, which channels a cold, nordic
Spiritualized/Spectrum vibration. Their phaser guided melody advances into the
blues-noir of “The Circle”, which emphasizes sultry cymbal-play, oceanic
guitar, and smokey vocals. “Sinner Blues” initiates what sounds as a sparkling
percussion of boots and spurs, and a desert-guitar melody which extends itself
throughout a vastness of space. Confidence and an innocence are heard in both
vocals and guitar, and as such compliment each other like the best
blues-western duos of time past.
Björnsson, have released their third album, Nyctophilia. For listeners of this
group, the work may be their best effort to date. The nine tracks pay homage to
the blues tradition and admirably rework the classic model. The record begins
with the instrumental, “Somebody Sleeping”, and one immediately spotlights
the quality of the sound production, which channels a cold, nordic
Spiritualized/Spectrum vibration. Their phaser guided melody advances into the
blues-noir of “The Circle”, which emphasizes sultry cymbal-play, oceanic
guitar, and smokey vocals. “Sinner Blues” initiates what sounds as a sparkling
percussion of boots and spurs, and a desert-guitar melody which extends itself
throughout a vastness of space. Confidence and an innocence are heard in both
vocals and guitar, and as such compliment each other like the best
blues-western duos of time past.
The fourth track, “Lonesome Town”, a cover of a song made
famous by Ricky Nelson, is an agreeably reverberated take on an old standby.
“Night Terror” is a druggy organ/guitar track which likens itself to a Martin
Rev/Badalamenti collaboration on sedatives. “Resonated” contains a sinister
whistle solo, giving Nyctophilia an authentic High and Lonesome sound. The
musical arrangements and its components are both pleasing and well-structured
through-out. The work is an album of midnight smoke-tunes with gritty, yet
polished tones of hi-end medium fuzz and opulent vocal and percussive effects.
The listener is called forth by the mysterious whisper and lured further into
the dark of this album, learning to love this darkness, and ultimately
realizing ones Nyctophilia. A recommended night-trip. Favorite tracks: “Sinner
Blues” and “Wonder”.
famous by Ricky Nelson, is an agreeably reverberated take on an old standby.
“Night Terror” is a druggy organ/guitar track which likens itself to a Martin
Rev/Badalamenti collaboration on sedatives. “Resonated” contains a sinister
whistle solo, giving Nyctophilia an authentic High and Lonesome sound. The
musical arrangements and its components are both pleasing and well-structured
through-out. The work is an album of midnight smoke-tunes with gritty, yet
polished tones of hi-end medium fuzz and opulent vocal and percussive effects.
The listener is called forth by the mysterious whisper and lured further into
the dark of this album, learning to love this darkness, and ultimately
realizing ones Nyctophilia. A recommended night-trip. Favorite tracks: “Sinner
Blues” and “Wonder”.
Review made by Kyle James/2014
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