Switchblade Symphony - The Three Calamities (CD)

The final studio album from San Francisco goth rock duo, Switchblade Symphony! Released in 1999, this swan song album has become extremely beloved by the band's still vibrant fanbase for its lighter atmosphere and more sophisticated songwriting! It’s almost 20yrs old and it still sounds fresh an innovative. Tina still sings in that opera voice and Susan’s musical backdrop is a perfect blend of Trip-Hop and Gothic electronics. The guitar work is a bit scaled back on this album but still adds perfect melodic atmosphere. This album is not as noisy or frenetic as Serpentine Gallery or even Bread and Jam for Francis. It is more ethereal and hypnotic. Dreamlike, surreal, and gorgeous. The songs are more richly textured than those on their previous albums. Yet, occasionally there are echoes back to Serpentine Gallery. There is no doubt that the songs on this album came from the same font of musical genius. Ultimately, I think this is their best work yet. The songs leave a more lasting impact. They have more resonance; the haunting sounds leave their essence behind long after the cd has finished playing.
I bought this cd a week ago and haven't been able to pry it out of my cd player since. I bought several other cds at the same time, and I just can't seem to give the others much of a chance yet because that would mean I can't listen to this one!
The Three Calamities is an awe-some album. If you haven't yet heard it, I envy you.