Serena Maneesh, No 2: Abyss In B Minor Album Review
This could quite conceivably be someones worst nightmare. Their vision made real through an audio manifestation. A post apocalyptic dystopia where the Sun is barely visible, few plants and animals exist and the only colours that you see are black and grey. Civilisation as you knew it is a dim and distant memory. Pollution is rife, air quality has ceased to have meaning and life has little worth.
Conversely it could just be your idea of Beethoven's 5th Symphony. A masterful celebration of sound, that far from offending your ears, actually stimulates and excites your sonic senses. An intriguing, exploratory journey into the possibilities that may or may not constitute 'popular' music.
Interesting and challenging music with artistic merit, or just a dreadful noise?
No 2: Abyss In B Minor is Serena Maneesh's follow up to their eponymous debut album. At the time of its release they received mixed reviews, Mojo Magazine said 'More kitchen sink than sonic cathedral'. The band had, and still do to some degree, draw on the influence of My Bloody Valentine and depending on who you read this can be used as both a compliment and a criticism. However, Serena's sound has evolved and matured to give a slightly less raw and abrasive feel. The industrial template and sometimes harrowing soundscapes are evident but the mix is more harmoniously contrived and produced to give a subtlety to proceedings.
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