Esben and the Witch- 33 EP (2010) MP3 & FLAC

If anything, Esben and the Witch's self-released debut EP, 33, is even darker than Violet Cries. Two of the EP's tracks, "Eumenides" and "Marching Song," were rerecorded for the album, and while the album versions certainly sound more epic and polished, the EP versions have a claustrophobic feel to them that serves the gothic-inspired ambiance quite well. However, what really makes this EP worth a listen is the final track, "Corridors," which is a glitchy, nightmarish tour de force.

Esben and the Witch- Violet Cries (2011) MP3 & FLAC

"Arms and legs, teeth and nail, our fragile companions are destined to fail."

While there is little doubt that Esben and the Witch (named after a Danish fairytale) have spent many hours listening to Siouxsie Sioux and the eighties-era 4AD canon, this takes nothing away from the majestic gloom of Violet Cries. As with Zola Jesus, Esben and the Witch are situated at the forefront of what appears to be a resurgence of eighties-style Goth-Rock, and on their debut long-player, they prove to be quite adept at interpreting and re-imagining what made the early Goth movement so compelling: mood and ambiance. While lead vocalist Rachel Davies is deservedly the focal point with her stunning dark-lit voice, it is the instrumentation and spaciousness of the songs that really sets Violet Cries apart. A promising debut indeed.

Esben and the Witch- "Marching Song" Video (2011)

The ghost of Siouxsie is really making the rounds these days. Good to hear. Along with the progeny, maybe we should post the original soon...