Closure In Moscow
The Penance And The Patience
Taperjean


If you only get the chance to buy one CD this week/ month/ year/ whatever, let Closure In Moscow's 'The Penance and The Patience' be it! To sum this albumette up in 5 words this would be it: mature, insightful, experimental, beautiful, and deserved.

Maturity is something that doesn't come easy. It comes with hard work and, as they say, the proof is in the pudding. Front man Chris deCinque uses his voice as an instrument that knows no boundaries. Accompany this with intricate guitar hooks and time feels and you have a stellar release such as. That description only brushes the surface - if I had all day, I would tell you more.

Insightful and experimental, the music takes you on a journey through deCinque's personal challenges and struggles in his life, including religious beliefs in opening track We Want Guarantees, Not Hunger Pains. The remaining five tracks take you through tales of self doubt and the challenges that relate to the battles faced when following your dreams and ambitions.

The description of beautiful can be taken in a few ways. The context that I write this is in the production and presentation of the recording - the smooth, concise sound topped with explosive dynamics is what adds to the dramatic catharsis that is dealt after listening to the release. The artwork in itself is one piece of work. The detail in the drawings is exquisite and is deserving of praise.

Finally, the last word I used - deserving. The quintet is young and hardworking. I've been told they sold their personal belongings such as their cars to make this record happen because they believed in what they were creating. If they believe in it to the point where they are selling their possessions and they are able to create a convincing record such as this, then I'm sold. If you like bands like Saosin, Circa Survive and Coheed And Cambria, then you're bound to enjoy this albumette. Expect to hear a lot more from this band, simply brilliant.

Fiona Stafford