Picking up a disc bearing the unfamiliar English word SUBAUDITION and a nondescript cover, you don't expect anything good. But one glance at the releasing label and much becomes clear. Prophecy has long been delighting us with releases oriented toward melancholic and dark music.
The overall impression from this Finnish duo's album is very positive — it had been a long time since anyone pleased me this much in this corner of the musical arts. And don't be surprised by the fact that avowedly dark music can bring joy — the contradiction is only apparent, since good music cannot fail to bring joy.
"The Scope" combines elements of various directions: dark wave, art rock, acoustic folk. There are echoes of compatriots TENHI, late-period ANATHEMA, and certain nods to the work of PINK FLOYD. The album's retro feel is enhanced by the authentic keyboard sounds and various noises and effects — as if you're watching an old black-and-white film. In short, pleasant, melancholic music suited for contemplative listening and setting a mood.
Although I couldn't resist making comparisons — that is more my shortcoming than the band's under review, since while parallels can certainly be drawn, SUBAUDITION is a sufficiently distinctive and individual group.