Chelsea Wolfe - She Reaches Out To She Reaches Out To She ( Full Album Review ) : In English

 

Release: February 9, 2024 | Label: Loma Vista | Genre: Darkwave, Industrial Rock, Trip Hop

Chelsea Wolfe's eighth solo album, "She Reaches Out To She Reaches Out To She," unfolds as a cathartic journey of self-discovery. Since her debut album, "The Grime and Glow" in 2010, Wolfe's evolution has been nothing short of remarkable, garnering acclaim for the dark and heavy "Hiss Spun" (2017) and gaining widespread recognition through her collaboration with Tyler Bates on the soundtrack for Ti West’s slasher film "X" (2022). As a meticulous and eccentric artist, Wolfe fearlessly explores uncomfortable themes and emotions, skillfully blending genres while maintaining her uniqueness. This highly anticipated comeback, released under Loma Vista Recordings, features an elite team of collaborators, including multi-instrumentalist Ben Chisholm, drummers Bryan Tulao and Jess Gowrie, and producer Dave Sitek, a founding member of TV on the Radio, along with multiple Grammy award-winning engineer Shawn Everett.

"She Reaches Out To She Reaches Out To She" stands as an audacious and phenomenally well-crafted window into Wolfe's mind. While not strictly a concept album, it delves deep into themes of self-realization, empowerment through introspection, and rebirth into the unknown. Wolfe's intricate musicality stems from her ability to confront her demons, immersing herself in emotions and emerging wiser, albeit a bit less broken. The album reflects the perpetual nature of healing, capturing the limbo between staying in stagnant waters and running into the unknown, with profound clarity. A recurring motif in the album is the imagery of a large egg, symbolizing the nurturing of the unknown. Wolfe, in an interview with The Line of Best Fit, explained that “[…] there's potential in there, and there's a possibility in there, and I want to take care of it. And, again, nurture it, so that when it hatches, whatever it is, I'm welcoming it and embracing it.”

The opening track, "Whispers In The Echo Chamber," sets the tone with unsettling metal elements, featuring Wolfe's haunting whispers and underlying screams. "House of Self-Undoing" follows, exuding a pleasant and energetic vibe reminiscent of 90s goth/dark synth sounds. Pre-released tracks "Everything Turns Blue" and "Tunnel Lights" maintain their perplexing and haunting qualities, blending industrial elements, eerie vocals, and haunting strings. One of my personal favorites, "The Liminal," captures the artist’s haunting nightmare of sleep paralysis both lyrically and musically. A sorrowful piano melody and Wolfe's enchanting vocals create an intimate atmosphere akin to a conversation with oneself. In my opinion, the pinnacle of the album is "Unseen World”. Its marvelous melody and cinematic quality instantly transport listeners to a ritual performed by the High Priestess. "Places In The Sun" takes the listener through a heartbreaking and devastating journey before triumphantly reaching the other side. Finally, "Dusk" concludes the record with psych rock and doom elements, maintaining Wolfe's signature airy style.

"She Reaches Out To She Reaches Out To She" encapsulates the consummation of Wolfe's past self and the grotesquely magnificent process of healing she has undergone throughout the years. The album serves as a testament to her artistic prowess, daring exploration, and unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of her own musical landscape.

Rating : 8.5/10

Naya  for MOPA-Music Webzine