In Waves
Cornelius Chapel, 2020
9/10
There appears to be no shortage of exceptional indie/alt-rock bands in Alabama these days, and the Winfield trio of The Dirty Clergy are certainly reinforcing that notion with this 3rd album of swirling, often ominous rock where traces of shoegaze linger and impress.
“Trials” starts the listen highly melodic and dreamy with strong percussion and hazy vocals guiding the jangly indie-rock, and “Born To Lose” follows with a slow burning approach that builds into a tuneful, lo-fi display of harmonic and sturdy alt-rock.
Closer to the middle, “Homesick” brings plenty of atmosphere to the sonically pretty, soaring album highlight, while “West Coast” recruits a darker, post-punk quality to the tense yet elegant climate that even touches on prog-rock. “Whiplash”, another album standout, then floats lightly with a wispy appeal that’s sugary sweet ‘dreamgaze’.
At the end, the appropriately titled “Dreaming” displays precise guitar strumming with shoegaze nods, and “Too Good To Last” exits the record with a reflective, bare delivery that illustrates much depth and skill.
After some line-up changes in the band, The Dirty Clergy is now Brian Manasco (guitar, vocals), Ky Carter (bass) and Cody Moorehead (drums). Unfortunately, Manasco is now dealing with health issues that make it difficult for him to tour or even play live, but let’s hope that things improve for him, cause the current state of rock really benefits greatly from The Dirty Clergy’s song craft.
Travels well with: People Years- Animalism; Terry Ohms- Cold Cold Shoulder