Another day, another night, another Friday, another album. This time it is “Fire Architecture” by Helluvah which would seem to be a project for Camille W. No idea who Camille W. is but I like a bit of intrigue so I shall press the button marked play.
Initial impressions would suggest that all that is here is music with a purpose. The presentation is curiously, at least for the style of these times, spacious with the attention of the listener being drawn to the words rather than the production values. Whilst such an assertion might normally lead you and I down the path to the art house, there is less in the way of pretension than would be expected and Helluvah convinces through lyrics with metaphorical intent that are used to generate a more than adequate reflection of matters in the world around us.
The musicianship is supportive rather than showstopping with the plan – I assume - being to attract rather than to impress. Her voice seems often distant and sometimes fades into the mix and, with repetition often used in her lyrics, the resulting effect is something akin to an enchantment with her words having stealth capabilities that disguise serious intent.
So, all in all, “Fire Architecture” is more of a construct for meditative contemplation than a compilation of dance floor fillers and, to her credit, Helluvah provides enough reasons to play the album again even if those repeat spins are simply to catch what you missed the first time around.
Best song: “We Want Revenge”
Verdict: More substance than the mainstream.
Available from Bandcamp and other digital sources.