Review Summary: Disturbing, haunting, and intriguing.
"Disturbing” and “haunting” are two words that could easily be mistaken for “intriguing”. Every human being is endowed with some dark desire deep within them, something that causes them to dress like demons for Halloween and admire Jason and Freddy Krueger. Every human being has an involuntary fascination, if you will, with darkness, whether they like it or not. So when said darkness is put into musical form as an outlet by a married couple trying to escape addiction, it’s bound to catch someone’s attention, even if it-for the most part- lacks actual lyrics. One of the most popular examples of this is industrial legend Nine Inch Nails. Though he did use lyrics in his songs, the dark and maleficent tone of the brooding instrumentation was enough to hook any listener already half-interested. Throw in a Christian flare and you’ve got White Collar Sideshow.
Largely in part due to the recording and production of the album, there’s a quiet feel. However, don’t mistake quiet with calming. At no point does serenity prevail, but a sense of alarm prevails instead. It will have the listener on your seat with suspense to see what happens next, basically. Percussionist/vocalist TD Benton and drummer Herr Schwein are the main highlights of the project, as it’s percussion based. TD Benton bashes on everything from Slipknot-esque industrial trash cans to aluminum cans to a single drum, adding a slightly primitive feel, whereas Herr is an extremely talented drummer that might as well provide the framework for White Collar Sideshow’s unique take on industrial. However, wife of TD Benton and bassist The Invisible Woman isn’t to be forgotten. She provides some strangely chilling and bordering on terrifying bass lines that will engage you as much as the percussion. Vocally, there isn’t too much to brag on, as TD mainly relies on spoken word to get his point across, as well as voiceovers from other sources.
Closer “Pardon Thy Monster” is extremely innovative, with its blend of sweeping electronics, chilling piano, and a thrilling blend of typical drums and strange percussion. “A Shameful Apprentice” is dark, haunting, and may even bring the listener to tears. TD whispers so desperately it sounds like he’s in tears, and it’s extremely gripping. The chaotic, rambling piano in the background further exemplifies the desperation conveyed in the track. “The Parasite Matrimony” is a real treat, as it slowly leads you in with acoustic guitar, then snatches you with its tribal-like percussion and slithering bass.
Lyrically, the band strikes a chord between an old 20s freak show at a carnival and a classic horror movie. Throughout the whole EP, the band discusses feeling like a monster and a freak, and constantly questioning their own inner demons, especially in “Birdfed Through IVs” and “A Shameful Apprentice.” While this morbid fascination with darkness is fascinating, it can grow extremely depressing and disturbing, so it’s not for the faint of heart. However, as a sort of optimistic sidenote, the group does acknowledge God as a sense of hope and peace, so all hope isn’t totally lost.
If you can handle the prevailing sense of darkness and the pure weirdness, White Collar Sideshow, for they are truly a sideshow more than a band, is the perfect choice for you. It’s definitely not for the casual listener, but for those willing to give it a chance,
White Collar Sideshow deserves a listen and maybe a purchase.
