Customer Reviews

A Dark Moon Night

5 star:		(15)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is one of the most innovative bands I've heard in many years! The beautiful Lydia Fortner not only writes intelligent lyrics and melodies, but is a first class singer! The band's arrangements are very professional and complement the songs and the singer. the band not only writes melodic dreamy tunes, but proves they can "rock out" on DAY AND NIGHT and PROPHECY as well. WHERE THE WIND GOES would become an "instant" hit if mainstream radio and mtv would play it. This band has taken "GOTHIC" ROCK music beyond its usual boundaries, and broken many rules along the way, creating an atmopheric sound,with an "edge" that is truely their own. I would highly recommend this bands Cd's not only to fans of "GOTH" music, but\ fans of Alternative and Rock music who are bored with the talentless sound-alikes that MTV has been pushing for years. I anticipate the arrival of their next Cd. Look for this band to break out in the Mainstream within the next two years!

Not cold, this album is notibly dark but so very warm and refreshing. The voice; a smokey hybrid of Stevie Nix and Gitane Demone. Lydia Fortners voice has a smooth and absolute sound. The music is so very reminding of "The Cures" "Disentegration" on the way to "Wish" being that the guitar effects are so very similar and the pace is mellow and developing. "A Dark Moon Night" is an album that keeps giving all the way through, very well balanced with intelligent lyrics wise in mysticism that are further displayed on "In the Garden".(the shrouds follow up album which is also very good) This album is a truley wonderful album, invoking a mood like waves rolling on the beach on a warm night of a quiet red/gold ending summer day. Very entertaining band to listen to. The Shroud are very worthy of thier praise.

This is a pretty darn good album.

I have to admit that I was thouroughly underwhelmed on the first few listens. But like all good stuff, after a while I began to think it was OK, then pretty good, now I am sold.

The Shroud combine several talented individuals in creating their unique sound. Lydia Fortner has an extremley talented voice, from the higher note too deep sensous growls. Her versility is well shown by the second track "where the wind goes" which just melts into your ears. The guitars are understated, and rely mainly on Lydias voice to gain effect. This is best comparible to other guitar darkwave bands- maybe like the Cranes with a different vocalist, or perhaps early Cure.

If you like guitar based goth, any darkwave, any shoegazer or even just feel like some mellow sounds this comes recommended. If you are of a more industrial bent- say Collide, Curve or Wench, you may find this a bit too tame, but I think it would suit even you for those "quiet moments".

This is what "Gothic" music is suppose to be all about. Beautifull well-written songs with an edge that has an overall dark mysterious quality. Rather than trying to be controversial, like a certain person whose initials are: M.M., who has given a "warped" perception of what Gothic Rock music is to the masses, THE SHROUD spends endless hours refining their craft. The band's compositions range from neoclassical waltzes(ROSES), straight-ahead Rockers(DAY AND NIGHT),Alternative Rock(PROPHESY), and Pop(WHERE THE WIND GOES). This CD is a must have for anyone who loves music, and is looking for something both beautiful, harmonious, and mysterious at the same time. It's on my list as one of the best Cd's of this decade. It wouldn't suprise me if they became one of the biggest bands within the first decade of the millennium. Check them out, for they are worth endless listening.

This is the first band I've heard in years that has their own original sound. While most bands are trying to be trendy(using hip-hop beats, rap performers as lead singers, scratching records) or giving us a "watered" down version of Nirvana or Pearl Jam, this band defys what is considered the acceptable "Alternative" sound, and makes music that has a uniqueness of its own. They aren't afraid of criticism, even from the "Gothic" community. I can tell that this bands musicians come from different backgrounds, as evident in the diversity of styles of music compositions ranging from "dream-pop" to "waltzes" to "straight-ahead Rockers" with a overall Esoteric quality that makes this band worth a listen to those unfamiliar to the Gothic/Darkwave music scene. This is music not for just 'Goths', but people who are looking for something mysterious and beautiful. I percieve this band to eventually break out into the mainstream, for they deserve to be heard by many people.

"A Dark Moon Night" (and "Long Ago and Far Away" for that matter") continually prove that the Shroud is a band worth much attention. Lydia Fortner's angelic, poignant, ethereal and intelligent vocals carry the the dense and layered music of Rodney Walker, Eric Dansby, Iyan Reed and Hendrik Groger to soaring heights of mystery and wonder. From the first song, you know that you're in for a ride.

The most distinct qualities that separate them from other "goth" bands (never liked the term) are as follows: They are "goth" (meaning: heartfelt, poignant and focusing on the innermost feelings) without sounding contrived, boring or like a hundred other "goth" bands. To simply say that the Shroud is "goth," is to sell them and yourself short. There is something far more brilliant dwelling within their music that is indescribable.

One of the most startling elements of their music is how romantic their music is (more so, in reference to the Romantic period in history). The lyrics shimmer with qualities of classical poetry (not the typical lyrics you hear these days...true romantic and human content).

The first track,"Pixy-led," opens the album with a sort of somber, but danceable and upbeat quality. The Shroud has always had a fair amount of dynamics in their music, but this song proves that they are taking it to new heights. The crescendos up to the chorus and decrescendo back to the verses. It's subtle, but you definitely know that there has been some serious growth as a band taking place in the past couple of years.

The second song, "Where the Wind Goes" with it's slow, ethereal vocals makes one almost believe they're floating. In this song, I noticed that the keyboard work is subtle, but definitely more developed from the previous record. The bass carries through the song with a solid rhythm that gives the song a more connective quality, whereas the guitar is somewhat hidden to the side in the mix (a nice change...a balance of the two rather than guitar obnoxiously obstructing the other instruments' expression like in a lot of music today).

"Madeline" and "And Then" are very mellow. Up until "Day and Night," the feeling of the record is pretty subdued with the exception of "Pixy-Led." "Day and Night" breaks the grouping of slow tempo songs with something "upbeat."

Then there is the stunningly well-executed and gorgeous "Roses." With an opening of intriguing stringlike sounds (I can't place the instrument...harpsichord?) that sounds like a romance scene out of an old black and white horror film, the song leads to an intense array of near-sleepy and sultry vocals. Before the vocals really kick in, there is dazzling circus sort of music (I can't describe it any other way). The dynamics are filled with wonder. "Prophecy" is like a more rocking version of "Pixy-Led" (very fun and exciting song). Another highlight is the Poignant and forlorn, "Let me Hold on." This song closes the record. I could say more but then I'd be writing a book on them, wouldn't I? Overall, a mature and refreshing record from a professional and well-orchestrated band.

That's my two cents, **~Andrew~**

absolutely lovely cd, my favorite song is madeline but the whole selection is extremely moving. it spends hours turning on my stereo, filling every corner and crack in the wall, singing to me. je l'adore.

I have been entirely impressed by this CD from the first time I heard it. I love the way that they sound on this CD. I'm a big fan of their music, and I really feel that this CD catches a lot of the darkwave and ethereal feelings for their music

I order this CD based on a sample of the song "Where the Wind Goes".I could not be more impressed by an album then I was by this one.Easily falling into my Favorite and Most Listened CD holders.I haven't listened to music like this before,but now I find myself searching for more.ADDICTIVE...this is how I would clasify this album. If you are like I was..get it!! You will not be dissapointed.

Juxtapose "The Shroud" next to "Big Electric Cat" as the best Goth/Indie outfit today. Ok, Ok, so MTV and popular radio won't touch them, but what did you expect? Unlike BEC though; their lyrics are occasionally ambiguously hedonistic which consequently estranges me. Still, great group and great female lead vocals.