Beautifull melancholic female vocals combined with dark and slow ethereal music
CD Reviews
THE NEXT BIG THING!
deathfromafar | 11/18/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is what "Gothic" music is suppose to be all about. Beautifull well-written songs with an edge that has an overall dark mysterious quality. Rather than trying to be controversial, like a certain person whose initials are: M.M., who has given a "warped" perception of what Gothic Rock music is to the masses, THE SHROUD spends endless hours refining their craft. The band's compositions range from neoclassical waltzes(ROSES), straight-ahead Rockers(DAY AND NIGHT),Alternative Rock(PROPHESY), and Pop(WHERE THE WIND GOES). This CD is a must have for anyone who loves music, and is looking for something both beautiful, harmonious, and mysterious at the same time. It's on my list as one of the best Cd's of this decade. It wouldn't suprise me if they became one of the biggest bands within the first decade of the millennium. Check them out, for they are worth endless listening."
A truely terrific album
Michael J Harper | Covina, CA United States | 03/24/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Not cold, this album is notibly dark but so very warm and refreshing. The voice; a smokey hybrid of Stevie Nix and Gitane Demone. Lydia Fortners voice has a smooth and absolute sound. The music is so very reminding of "The Cures" "Disentegration" on the way to "Wish" being that the guitar effects are so very similar and the pace is mellow and developing. "A Dark Moon Night" is an album that keeps giving all the way through, very well balanced with intelligent lyrics wise in mysticism that are further displayed on "In the Garden".(the shrouds follow up album which is also very good) This album is a truley wonderful album, invoking a mood like waves rolling on the beach on a warm night of a quiet red/gold ending summer day. Very entertaining band to listen to. The Shroud are very worthy of thier praise."
Oh my Goth
deathfromafar | North Canterbury New Zealand | 10/28/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is a pretty darn good album.I have to admit that I was thouroughly underwhelmed on the first few listens. But like all good stuff, after a while I began to think it was OK, then pretty good, now I am sold.The Shroud combine several talented individuals in creating their unique sound. Lydia Fortner has an extremley talented voice, from the higher note too deep sensous growls. Her versility is well shown by the second track "where the wind goes" which just melts into your ears. The guitars are understated, and rely mainly on Lydias voice to gain effect. This is best comparible to other guitar darkwave bands- maybe like the Cranes with a different vocalist, or perhaps early Cure. If you like guitar based goth, any darkwave, any shoegazer or even just feel like some mellow sounds this comes recommended. If you are of a more industrial bent- say Collide, Curve or Wench, you may find this a bit too tame, but I think it would suit even you for those "quiet moments"."
THE FUTURE OF ROCK AND ROLL
deathfromafar | 11/17/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is the first band I've heard in years that has their own original sound. While most bands are trying to be trendy(using hip-hop beats, rap performers as lead singers, scratching records) or giving us a "watered" down version of Nirvana or Pearl Jam, this band defys what is considered the acceptable "Alternative" sound, and makes music that has a uniqueness of its own. They aren't afraid of criticism, even from the "Gothic" community. I can tell that this bands musicians come from different backgrounds, as evident in the diversity of styles of music compositions ranging from "dream-pop" to "waltzes" to "straight-ahead Rockers" with a overall Esoteric quality that makes this band worth a listen to those unfamiliar to the Gothic/Darkwave music scene. This is music not for just 'Goths', but people who are looking for something mysterious and beautiful. I percieve this band to eventually break out into the mainstream, for they deserve to be heard by many people."
Track Listings (11) - Disc #1