Blind Divine- Queen of Venom

Artist:Blind Divine

Album Tiitle- Queen of Venom

Reviewer: Joshua Heinrich

Date: 1/22/09

On their new full-length release, Queen of Venom, Blind Divine don't
break into new territory so much as hone their signature blend of
moody trip-hop, plodding ethereal rock, and dramatic balladry.  With
production that is intricate yet seems effortless and natural rather
than overblown, even at its most grandiose (the reverse percussion
loops and sprawling Eno-esque atmospherics of "Faces Fading"), Blind
Divine often walk the sometimes fragile line between polished and
organic/heartfelt with precision.  Vocalist Paula Catherine Valencia's
breathy, throaty vocals add substance to even the band's most
theatrically melodramatic moments (notably, the piano ballad "What Am
I Supposed To Do?") and weight to the
less-musically-melancholy-than-its-lyrics-would-suggest "Twist the
Knife" (also the one track on the album featuring a traditional full
band lineup).  Multi-instrumentalist Daniel Martin Diaz, on the other
hand, colors in a cinematic backdrop that ranges in scope from the
proficient woodwind and string arrangements of "What Makes You Real"
to the almost U2-esque anthemic rhythm guitar that unexpectedly arises
but remains just out of reach on "Think of Me".

Key tracks here include the strikingly beautiful closer,
"Disillusioned", reveling in its slightly folksy rhythmic trip-hop
melancholia, and the one-two punch of the opening duo "Save Some Love"
and "Letting Go", both walking an ethereal trip-hop path similar to
that of Silent Hill soundtrack composer Akira Yamaoka, whose work has
been an obvious inspiration past and present.  "Invisible" and "All of
You", on the other hand, are both adult contemporary radio contenders,
the latter's underpinned lead guitar flourishes adding a nice touch of
atmosphere.

Wrapped together in a cohesive package with interesting and evocative
artwork that suits its music well, Queen of Venom is arguably Blind
Divine's most accomplished album to date.  Musically and emotionally
consistent, yet with a fair amount of sonic diversity to propel it
along (perhaps more so than on the band's previous proper albums),
it's a solid choice for both established fans and newcomers looking
for a jumping-off point.

https://www.blinddivine.com
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