Subtle Bodies

San Francisco duo, Chasms’ new release, Subtle Bodies, brings together material from their first two cassette-only releases as well as a brand new track. Their sound is a combination of dark shoegaze with elements of industrial, goth, and doom, complemented by Jess Labrador’s ethereal voice that is at times intense and loud. The LP gives us a glimpse of this band’s promising future by showcasing inventive tracks that use heavy distortion, echoing voices, drum machine-generated beats, and striking guitar work in every track. Gloomy, sometimes bleak but overwhelmingly beautiful. Highly recommended.

RIYL: Teenage Filmstars, Cranes, Miserable, Eroc, Bad News, Cocteau Twins, and Skullflower.

FCC CLEAN!!
Recommended Tracks: 1, 3, 5, 6, and 7

1. (3:37) **N.V.S. – A harsh drum machine beat is the background for a track full of great vocal and guitar work. Solid.
2. (4:17) Riser – Labrador’s voice comes to the foreground. Cocteau Twins would be proud.
3. (5:23) **Not in This Dimension – Chasms most polished track. A superior achievement.
4. (3:06) Soft Opening – The most atmospheric track on the album. Lushy and dreamy.
5. (3:04) *When It Comes – Upbeat elements, drowned out vocals, 90s shoegaze here.
6. (5:01) *Darker Outside – Tense bass and drum machine semi-industrial beats. Distorted guitars and vocals that are reminiscent of Cranes’ Alison Shaw.
7. (11:30) **Dissolution into Clear Light – Ambitious track full of distortion and layers of guitar effects. Recommended.