LAVOLA – This Book Is My Cowardice (Rating 5/5 Stars)| WordKrapht

WORDKRAPHT Rating: 5 Stars!

The 2nd album for a band signed to a major label is usually the one to show a little bit for more of themselves. They proved themselves to the guys in suits, and in return the label will grant them a bit more creative control. For an independent band, control has been there the whole time. Some bands use the second album as a platform to show they’ve grown, while others choose to experiment more with their sound. Lavola chose to do both, and take it one step further.

For Lavola, the brainchild of Julian Cires, the dreaded second album blues has produced 8 tracks that scream struggle. This Book Is My Cowardice, is the follow-up to Lavola’s 2012 smash hit Leaving Paris (though they released an EP of demos in 2010, titled Black Sea of Trees, This Book Is My Cowardice is the band’s second official release.)

After three different lineup changes, and difficulties while recording (rumor has it a producer lost a portion of their recordings during this process) this album is a testament to how Cires performs best under pressure.

The overall theme of the album is pain, and anger but expressed sonically and lyrically in such a beautifully aggressive way. “Show Your Face Mother F*cker” begins the album on a high note. The track is in your face with no signs of letting up and you won’t want it any other way. What Lavola seems to master on this album is the ability to combine anthem type riffs with abstract, melodious melodies. One minute you’ll be rocking out and the next swaying, lost in symphonic orchestral bliss.

They have no problems easing their way into different styles while Cire’s vocals are strong and as versatile as ever. One minute he screams, next he’s eerily whispering; it’s wonderful to see he’s hitting his stride. Speaking of vocals, with the addition of violinist Emily Dwyer to the band, they had the chance to try out something that hasn’t been done before in Lavola, and that is harmonies. The harmonies between Cires and Dwyer are best heard in the tracks “7 Steps to Hell” and “Watch Your Step” which Dwyer co-wrote. Dwyer’s vocals are organic, simple and lovely; a perfect counter to the dark lyrics and music.

Let’s take a moment and talk about the lyrics. Deeply poetic, dark and mysterious laden with symbolism they are strong enough to be read alone without the music.

“I don’t know where it’s bleeding,
Out of view where it’s dressed in red.
On the floor I am lying
The Devil’s spit trickles down my spine-
It feels divine.”

Whether you chose to download the album or buy a physical copy, do yourself a favor and take a gander at the lyrics. Fellow Masochists will also be happy to hear the two familiar tunes “Dry Socket” and “Pearl and Rust” now have a home on this album.

This Book Is My Cowardice isn’t Leaving Paris part two, it’s just Lavola intensified. This Book is gritty, raw yet polished and accessible. It’s tough finding a balance when experimenting with new sounds, but Lavola achieved this balance and is showing others how it’s done. Take one listen, then take a second and a third. These songs will swirl around in your head and resonate your entire being, which of course will leave you wanting more.

Source: http://wordkrapht.com/main/2014/03/06/lavola-this-book-is-my-cowardice/