Tragic Lover
Self-Released, 2021
8/10
An outfit comprised of current and ex-members of Light FM, The Smashing Pumpkins and Glaare, Bizou mesh darker textures, plenty of synth work and shoegaze friendly guitars into a formula that dances around punk, New Wave, alt-rock and goth tendencies on this well done debut.
“Days Of Honey” starts the listen and wastes no time making an impression with its inviting buzzing and crisp drumming from John O’Reilly as Marisa Prietto’s flowing vocals add much to the dreamy, busy climate, and this formula continues to the more subdued and post-punk tinted “Tragic Lover”, which welcomes some spacey moments, too.
In the middle, “Delay” certainly could soundtrack a night at the club in the mid ‘80s with its gothic-pop traces, while “Glass Lips”, the album standout, benefits from Nicki Nevlin’s swirling guitar work and Josiah Mazzaschi’s bright synth amid a very meticulous delivery.
Closer to the end, “Orphan Lights” welcomes much atmosphere as a thicker presence tips it hat to legends like The Cure via punchy drumming, soaring vocals and dynamic interaction, and “Fascination” exits the listen shimmering with an angular quality that explores both lush moments as well as mysterious intimacy.
Sometimes on the haunting side and other times touching on brighter musicianship, Nicole Fiorentino contributes precise bass work and backing vocals, too, and together with the rest of the band Tragic Lover pieces together dream-pop, shoegaze and mid ‘80s post-punk in ways that might make you dig out your Siouxsie and the Banshees records.
Travels well with: Palm Ghosts- Lifeboat Candidate; The Psychedelic Furs- Made Of Rain