Cold Cave - Love Comes Close

Album Review by Duncan Forgan | 22 Oct 2009
Album title: Love Comes Close
Artist: Cold Cave
Label: Matador
Release date: 2 Nov

If La Roux and her silly quiff and slices of radio-friendly synth-pop hark back to the frivolity of the early eighties, Cold Cave summon up the darker spirits of that blighted decade. The whiff of dry ice may lurk perceptibly amidst the brooding banks of massed keyboards and in the portentous tones of mainman Wesley Eisold, but Love Comes Close is a cut above mere parody. Touchstone influences such as Cabaret Voltaire and Throbbing Gristle make their gothic presence felt throughout, but especially on opener Cebe and Me – a robotic chiller that would make a fine soundtrack for the last dance at the disco at the end of the world. Eisold’s pop sensibilities prevent the listening experience from being a chore, however, and his love of more melodious inspirations such as The Human League and (especially) New Order shines through in the title track and the joyous Youth and Lust.

Playing Optimo, Glasgow on 1 Nov.

http://www.myspace.com/coldcave