SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: ESBEN AND THE WITCH – HOLD SACRED

Esben And The Witch
Hold Sacred
Nostromo Records

There was always a dark streak running through dream pop, with or without shoegaze touches, that made that dream element acquire some nightmarish tones, while still leaving that pop element intact.

One of the recent acts that underlines that trend is Berlin via Brighton trio Esben AndThe Witch (Rachel Davies, Thomas Fisher and Daniel Copeman). The trio has been around since 2008, and has eight releases under its belt, including Hold Sacred, the latest 9-track release.

The album shows definite progression and development, with the trio songs getting more and more layers and textures, with Davies’ well, bewitching vocals being the most prominent element, and rightly so.

Of course, that dark streak within their music gives And The Witch exactly that element that makes them stand out among current purveyors of dream pop.

Artist Links