Blind Divine- Desire to Destroy

Artist: Blind Divine CD Title: Desire to Destroy Label: Mysticus Publishing Reviewer: Joshua Heinrich Date: 3/16/07

Following up 2005's Devouring the Beautiful, Arizona duo Blind Divine's latest proper album, Desire to Destroy, features ten new forays into moody trip-hop and ethereal rock. Falling somewhat in the same stylistic vein as their debut and once again drawing apt comparisons to Akira Yamaoka's work on the later Silent Hill soundtracks (particularly on the J-horror-esque instrumental closer "Upon the Earth"), the album is a lovely blend of melancholia and lush beauty. Lyrically concentrating largely on love and, to a lesser extent, love lost, it's a well-crafted affair that's immaculately produced but also emotive and subdued.

Songs like "Time is on Our Side" and "Even More" provide radio-friendly, single-worthy moments, but the disc is most exceptional at its most emotionally pervasive. The beautiful melancholic nostalgia of "Falling Down on You" and the excellent "Love You as it Grows", which finds vocalist Paula Valencia asking the question "If I could capture the moment, would I even try?", certainly tug at heartstrings. The subtle-yet-powerful "Crimson Sky" also stands out, with Valencia stating "I want to wish you well, even if you're not with me" against a particularly emotive piano, string, and guitar background.

Desire to Destroy, available alone or as part of the Melancholia box set that compiles all three Blind Divine albums, is a touching set that will likely have you alternately smiling and fighting back tears. Shorter yet more stylistically consistent and cohesive than their first outing, Blind Divine's latest provides a stunning backdrop for a late night drive with that special someone on your mind.