Cleaver Releases “Cold Berlin”
Clash Bowley, a familiar name in the realm of solo ventures, piqued my interest with the announcement of his latest collaboration, Cleaver, a project undertaken alongside Steve Howell. As I dived into the eleven-track album entitled Cold Berlin, it became evident that influences from luminaries like Bowie, Eno and Pink Floyd seamlessly interwoven throughout the sonic fabric, delivering an atmospheric, cosmic and often monumental experience. I also wouldn’t be surprised if they were inspired by Robert Fripp who also came to mind when listening to some the guitar patterns on this album
Launching the auditory odyssey, “The Final Line” initiates with a mesmerizing array of arpeggiated synths, delicately evoking introspection. Transitioning swiftly into an existential inquiry through “Who Am I,” the track embarks on a dissonant, otherworldly journey, complemented by vocals that resonate flawlessly. As the track crescendos, an epic guitar solo unfurls, solidifying an imposing precedent that reverberates throughout the album’s sonic landscape. The combination of these elements crafts an immersive experience that captivates from inception to culmination.
“Inner Workings” orchestrates a mesmerizing symphony of synths intertwined with an organic drum kit, creating an otherworldly auditory voyage reminiscent of navigating enigmatic subterranean passages. Delving further, the title track “Cold Berlin” unveils hauntingly somber tapestries, conjuring imagery akin to a chilling cinematic experience where ominous soundscapes ensnare the senses. In contrast, “Monarch” presents itself as a beguiling enigma, draped in a subtle fuzz and featuring vocals cocooned in a lower register, intricately blending into the musical rhythm and adding depth to the sonic tableau. These tracks collectively craft a diverse sonic palette, offering a multifaceted listening experience that navigates various emotional landscapes.
BANDCAMP: https://cleaver5.bandcamp.com/album/cold-berlin
“Last Rite To Fight” delicately unravels its ephemeral essence, where elements dissipate, oscillate and gracefully fade in and out, painting an ethereal tapestry that mirrors a journey teetering on the edge of sanity. Its fluidity conjures a sense of traversing cosmic wormholes, transcending the bounds of time and space. Transitioning from this evocative abyss, “Angels Watching” emerges as a shimmering beacon amidst the void, offering a fleeting yet poignant respite. This fleeting moment of optimism echoes the ethereal craftsmanship reminiscent of Brian Eno’s iconic repertoire, intertwining within the album’s enigmatic narrative and adding a nuanced layer of emotional depth to the sonic voyage.
The expedition into the sonic abyss plunges deeper with “Patriarch,” an ambitious pinnacle boasting meticulously crafted drums and groundbreaking sound design. “Time Sensitive” gallops forth with dynamic fervor, showcasing impeccable sound engineering prowess. “Tom Tom,” reminiscent of a fragmented dream struggling to be remembered, witnesses instruments intertwining in a mesmerizing symphony, finding rhythmic harmony at crucial junctures. Maintaining thematic resonance, “Sweet Nectar” anchors the album, while the closure in “Small Town Universe” unveils poignant moments that encapsulate the culmination of the sonic odyssey. Immersive and intricate,
Cold Berlin beckons for a headphone journey, unfurling its multilayered tapestry where hidden intricacies reside beneath the surface. A sojourn into the darker recesses of musical expression, this album beckons intrepid souls, promising an abundance of unearthed treasures for those bold enough to delve into its depths.
Zachary Rush