Shoe gaze at its best. 


Artist: Cemeteries
Label: Lefse Records
Release Date: October 23, 2012
Duration: 9 tracks, 42:18
www.myspace.com/cemeteriesny

The Wilderness at times sounds like early Pink Floyd (prior to finding their signature with Meddle), at others like early Future of Forestry. Like so much of early psych-rock, Cemeteries seems to be searching for its genre. Unlike many current dream-pop offerings, The Wilderness lacks a stand up sound.

Simplified guitar is predominant throughout while the bass and percussion seem to take a back seat to synth, which surrounds each song. While a dream-like atmosphere persists throughout, engagement is lost due to each song’s similarity to its predecessor.

The opener “Young Blood” slowly rises giving hope to the collection with a spacious feeling. But the collective soon looses inertia with little to distinguish one song from another. Vocals are often too soft and lost in the mix. Most songs are solemn and show despair. “Roosting Towns” and “Brighter Colors” are the exception with good breaks and a greater emotional feel.

With the intention of purveying the feeling of being in the wilderness, The Wilderness leaves the listener in the wilderness. What is easily felt is desolation and loss.  Shoe gaze at its best.




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