The record industry is a bitch. If it walks like a duck and talks like a duck then most likely, it'll be labelled a duck.
San Francisco duo Switchblade Symphony know all too well about being unfairly labeled. Thankfully, their third release (following the widely acclaimed Bread & Jam for Francis), The Three Calamities, has the potential to shake loose the band's "goth" and "electronica" misnomers.
Imagery seems to be the focus here, with beautiful audio pictures that end up sounding more reflective than dark. Live instrumentation as well as electronic production techniques are also used expertly. The band's musical MO of heavy atmosphere and melodrama are best displayed on "Naked Birthday" and "Into the Sky."
So for all you cats whose Portishead tapes popped as a result of repeated listens, slide this in and you won't miss a beat.
