Review: Bridgeshadows ‘Suffer to Despise’ EP
CT’s Bridgeshadows is an industrial rock project founded by Kenneth “KL” Lemery, keyboardist on the first Wedding Party album in 1998. 2 full lengths and various singles were produced in the last 25 years plus, this EP seemingly a full band with Adrift on vocals, KL on guitars and programming, and Larvae on additional bass. Industrial is a subgenre that seemed to fade out of vogue after its heyday in the 90’s, so it’s rare, but welcome to see bands dabble in it today.
Bridgeshadows’ music has the hallmark modulated vocals and sampling of industrial music. Rhythm section keep things at a steady pace, mid-tempo at best, rarely crossing into the metal realm. Keys have a menacing edge to them, which keeps the soundscape from becoming monotone. I’ve heard a couple critics use the term shoegaze to describe them, and while there are some ambient and even trance elements involved, I’d simply describe them under the industrial and alt rock banners.
“Cascade” begins the game with a mid-paced rhythm, tempo rising and falling like breathing- “all this mourning pouring out of me… Now that I can’t look you in the eye.” With “Stone”, the pace slows, but a rumbling bass and distortion take over- “all my dead heroes lie subverted.” A warning alarm starts “Suffer to Despise” and then the guitars take over, while the distortion is cranked even more for a Nine Inch Nails feel, while the keys play counterpoint. “Rev” picks up the pace, but this time it’s mostly rhythm. “Keep Screaming” returns to the slow and heavier mode, a female voice interjects “there’s nothing we can do,” and the whole package of the male voice, guitars, and keyboard modulation sounds like Klank, before a voice proclaims- “this is it.” “Moment” continues the slow and heavy, with distorted vocals, interspersing between lead and rhythm riffing, then ending with the sound of horse hooves running away.
Clocking in at around 21 minutes, this ep is something of a teaser of what Bridgeshadows may accomplish. Songs vary between more rhythmic tunes and the attention getting big industrial guitars, like the stand out title track. Cover art is a black and white of the inside of a dilapidated old house, with paint peeling off the walls onto the floor. The reverse shows the silhouette of a man looking out the window of said house and my instincts want to say he’s trapped there. Nice offering from this veteran of the industrial genre. I’m ready to hear some more. (Broken Curfew Records)
Find Suffer to Despise on Bandcamp: Suffer to Despise (EP) | Bridgeshadows
Listen on streaming and digital: Suffer to Despise by Bridgeshadows
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