The Unkindness of Ravens are a duo caught up in an ecliptic amalgamation of electro rock and soul. Artrocker Magazine noted then as “genuine contenders for being one of the best underground electro bands out there at the moment” and I couldn’t agree more. There is an element of their sound which separates them from the status quo of electro-rock bands; their heavy contortion of effects pedals with a clash of wave-like harmonized phrases creates an unusual yet compelling sound. Heavy, punctual drums and a solid bass compliment the menacing quality of Nina’s voice and furthers the grungy mood.
Nina Wagner is East London’s answer to Alison Mosshart, with more soul, depth and darkness. The Unkindness of Ravens have been previously compared to The Kills and White Stripes and it would be fair to say we hear that familiar industrial sound that is symbolic of such bands. Have a listen, however, to I Used to Be So Pretty and you experience a new wave of industrial sound: Till I Get Home seduces you; Circle will engulf you with its warped melodies and catchy, dance-like tempo; Prototype rings out to you above demands of “she leaves today, don’t let her get away” and its almost eerie atmosphere. Her voice is so clear and this track has an incredible supernatural quality about it. I Used To Be So Pretty could easily be Yeah Yeah Yeahs' Karen O. “I know about the loneliness, yeah, I don’t know how to make it right, I used to be so pretty” - it flows, seduces and works oh so well with Nina’s harsh, blunt and straight up sound. Underneath you hear Ben’s voice and it is the perfect commendation and adds a more masculine edge to an already tough, yet flawless sound. You can applaud them for finding a balance between electro-soul and the grungy and heaviness of the beat, which so many bands fail to achieve.
I Used to Be So Pretty is the duo’s third release this year on Sonic Fire Records and only further compliments the two previous releases (singles) Dead Air and White Road - two songs to transport you to another dimension. While this is an epic body of work, I beg of you to check out their relatively older tracks such as Yours Forever But Not to Hold, which personally is one of my favourites.
I Used To Be So Pretty is out now on Sonic Fire Records..
If you're interested in a band that has been previously described as “Low slung minimalist electro-rock with soul” then please take a look @ www.myspace.com/theunkindnessofravens and www.abadgeoffriendship.com to find more impressive, upcoming bands like The Unkindness of Ravens.
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