Twelfth Of Never Things That Were
Dark Symphonies Dark 19 22nd July 2003
By Russell Garwood
Massachusetts band Twelfth Of Never are not a band to play when youre happy. Their dark, romantic goth drips melancholy at every turn, while rock and metal influences create less dirge-like yet still sombre songs. I cant help but draw parallels with the early 4AD roster deliberately or not "Things That Were" reminds me of This Mortal Coil at times, Cocteau Twins and Dead Can Dance at others, more due to the mood than the music.
Guitars played by Dave Brocksmith and Keith Alan Landry are intermittent and rarely distorted, usually relying on effects-laden, shimmering clean tones and long sweeping melodies, while the singing of Robin Tinker shows ethereal and heavenly voices influences. Matthew Davis does an excellent job with singing and keys, adding dreamy pianos and synths, while his drum programming is simplistic yet fitting. This leaves Ron Miles bass which is surprisingly prominent; straightforward lines complement the flowing music and create a solid low end.
The melodies in "Things That Were" are never catchy, which along with the sheer unrelenting negativity makes Twelfth Of Nevers music an acquired taste, but all too easy to get lost in if you are a fan. Those that like utterly despondent music will absolutely love this release, however, and if youre new to non-metallic depressing music this is a good place to start!
Dark Symphonies Dark 19 22nd July 2003
By Russell Garwood
Massachusetts band Twelfth Of Never are not a band to play when youre happy. Their dark, romantic goth drips melancholy at every turn, while rock and metal influences create less dirge-like yet still sombre songs. I cant help but draw parallels with the early 4AD roster deliberately or not "Things That Were" reminds me of This Mortal Coil at times, Cocteau Twins and Dead Can Dance at others, more due to the mood than the music.
Guitars played by Dave Brocksmith and Keith Alan Landry are intermittent and rarely distorted, usually relying on effects-laden, shimmering clean tones and long sweeping melodies, while the singing of Robin Tinker shows ethereal and heavenly voices influences. Matthew Davis does an excellent job with singing and keys, adding dreamy pianos and synths, while his drum programming is simplistic yet fitting. This leaves Ron Miles bass which is surprisingly prominent; straightforward lines complement the flowing music and create a solid low end.
The melodies in "Things That Were" are never catchy, which along with the sheer unrelenting negativity makes Twelfth Of Nevers music an acquired taste, but all too easy to get lost in if you are a fan. Those that like utterly despondent music will absolutely love this release, however, and if youre new to non-metallic depressing music this is a good place to start!
