Review Summary: "We're still alive, after all"
You venture headlong into the cold night. Veiled in a façade of callous indifference, you're merely a specter among gravestones, drifting aimlessly through a sea of blurred faces. The concrete jungle preys on your deepest vulnerabilities as you attempt to shield your smoldering spirit from the winds of change. Inevitably, the inverted solace of cleansing flame razes your soul to the ground, and erodes the tether between body and mind. Suspended in limbo, you mourn your former self, yet remain hopeful at the prospect of rebuilding anew. As your Eden burns, ablaze in the full glory of renewal, you discern a hopeful work of percussion and melody. It's Japanese shoegaze ensemble My Dead Girlfriend, with their debut LP "Hades (The Nine Stages of Change at the Deceased Remains)", here to compose your promising reconstruction.
Fortunately, the band wastes no time in painting your perfect picture. Breaking the silence with smooth hi-hat flutters, the record opens with a sensational array of mesmerizing textures. The atmosphere teems with life as the signature fuzz and reverb of the guitars build into a vibrant crescendo of pummeling snare and warm bass. The vocalists add infectious youthful exuberance to the mix, panning seamlessly between individual and synchronized performances. Keys are also peppered throughout, lending evermore dreaminess to the transcendent compositions. Every element is masterfully placed and performed, with virtually no wasted opportunity whatsoever.
The lyrics depict timeless themes of tragic lost love and the hopefulness of an uncertain future. The passion behind the vocal delivery is quite palpable. "Te Wo Futte" is a wonderful example, depicting the bittersweet sensation of an inevitable goodbye with an angelic duet. "Hades in the Dead of Winter" also packs a deep thematic punch, with poignant lines such as:
"The fingertips you outstretched have dissolved:
Some day, they’ll disappear into water, just like snow"
This gets at the idea that our lives, much like seasons, will inevitably change. It can be difficult letting go of people we cared for, but it's up to us to reconcile with the past, and to remain hopeful for days ahead.
In addition to the masterful lyrics, there is another key ingredient that makes this album special: the drumming. Juxtaposed with the angelic vocals, the relentlessness of the kit gives this record an insanely catchy edge. It's hypnotically groovy, with every percussive strike laid with the utmost care. "Hong Kong Police" is an absolute must-listen for all drum enthusiasts, with sharp snare pulverizing the mix between intricate stomps of hi-hat and kick, rim clicks, and (oh yes) cowbell. The frenetic arrangements elevate the guitars, which swing back and forth between dirty fuzz and soaring cleans, and together they make for one of the most memorable tracks. "Incarnation of Pessimism" pairs refined snare fills and cymbal work with charming restraint, whereas "Yurikago Kara Hakaba Made" is nearly four minutes of unstoppable rolls and swing. The vast array of techniques and approaches to the playing cannot be understated, and these performances truly elevate the record to immense heights.
While the vocals and drumming fire on all cylinders, it's important not to overlook the guitar work as well. The range and reserve of the playing continuously tug at your heartstrings. The vocal refrains of "Hakuiki" wouldn't be nearly as effective if it weren't for the guitars, which build layers gingerly-plucked cleans, reverb chords, droning fuzz and dissonant tremolos. The phrasing is also impeccable in tracks such as "Kanojo Ga Tsumetaku Warattara" and "Te Wo Futte", where both players know exactly when to let the rhythm and vocals shine, and when to play their hearts out. The tone variety is exquisite, turning on a dime from droning fuzz to reverb cleans, and the bass keeps just enough grit to mold the works while retaining clarity. Regardless of the approach to any given section, every measure is bathed in emotion and attentiveness, with a resolute commitment to quality songwriting.
In all, "Hades (The Nine Stages of Change at the Deceased Remains)" is a quintessential shoegaze release with exemplary performances and excellent songwriting. It's a reminder that we're not alone in our plight, and we don't always need to hide our emotions, but we can express them through song and catharsis. It's a reminder that we have to accept the past with the haziness of the future. Much like life, this record is a gift, and even though we may be burning down on borrowed time, it's important to appreciate it through thick and thin. We’re still alive, after all.
