Amber Asylum "Still Point" CD Digipack

Recorded at Louder Studios, San Francisco, CA.
Mixed and mastered at Knobsnob Studios, Pacifica, CA.

Issued on digisleeve.

The latest album from female noir chamber group Amber Asylum -- featuring former Neurosis collaborators Kris Force, Jackie Perez-Gratz and also Lorraine Rath, previously known for her work alongside ex-Weakling mastermind John Gossard in The Gault -- brings together ten new tracks resigned to even more gloomy and oppressive depths.

Something like an orchestral version of My Dying Bride, Amber Asylum's dolorous melodies are built from piano, trumpet, violin and viola to accent the basic four women set-up. On hand as well are Tim Green (The Fucking Champs) and John Cobett (Ludicra, Hammers of Misfortune), both filling in on guitar for their respective tracks, the latter guesting on a lovely, dream-walking cover of Richard Thompson's "The Great Valerio".

For all its all seeming mirthlessness, _Still Point_ does not wholly consume without first putting at ease. The highlight (emphasis on the second part) remains Kris Force's clarion soprano, gracefully filling out Rath's ebon lines inside impenetrably severe tracks like "Garden of Love" and "Outer Dark" with a move toward quiet reflection and affirmation.

Sample: https://www.youtube.com/watch?...