Silene - In The Middle

Not long ago,I reviewed an ep of this band"107 Raven Road"was the title.I recall that I liked them a lot.Propably most of our close readres know a few things on them,as they had been interviewed for subexistancesometime ago.To those that have not read this piece,I should introduce them by simply saying that they come from Finland and also that their style is gothic rock,with some dark wave hints I might add.

This is their second ep and more or less it could be seen as the logical step after their first effort:goth rock based on elegeiac guitar melodies,a strong and tight rhythm section,delicate synth lines,all topped by a unique,charismatic femme voice.All these elements are once again present here,unfolding a group of musicians that know precisely what they wish to achieve."In The Middle Of Two" opens this cd,drifting to a passage led by moaning guitars and enchanting voices.One thing I could detect is that Silene possess a concert-like,"rocking"vibe that sets them apart from so many cold,mechanically sounding modern goth albums of today.Strangely,the only reference that would come to my mind,was Inkubus Sukkubus(anyone remember them?).But again,this is a distant influence,since Silene have projected a sound of their own.All three tracks,gave me the best possible impressions and convinced me once again,that this band certainly deserves attention."Winter Son" closes this cd in a perfect manner:bass lines reminiscent of the early Uk goth scene,built around a near perfect synth melody and an addictive,breathing chorus.A special note should be made regarding Katinka'a vocals,as she manages to sound magnificent and yet unique,if compared to other female vocalists.But do not let this detail fool you at all:the whole band delivers a superb,captivating performance as well.Nothing more is needed to be said,really.Silene just keep proving that they are a band to watch,or even follow.I'd even give this a higher grade,if it lasted a bit longer perhaps.

A more personal note to you,dear Silene:do yourselves a favour and release a full length.You clearly deserve it.

Tracklist:

1)In The Middle Of Two
2)Buried
3)Winter Son

7.5/10   Isabelle S.