Ides Of Gemini – Old World New Wave (Neurot)

Ides Of Gemini – Old World New Wave (Neurot)

On Ides Of Gemini’s vinyl-structured second album, Old World New Wave, two styles tell two different tales. Pinning a single identifiable essence to either one proves impossible, but this is in keeping with the album’s grand theme, touching on the notion of the titular twins of Gemini. According to the band’s guitarist (and Decibel scribe extraordinaire) J. Bennett, each side of the new album has its own character: the first being “old world” and the second “new wave,” naturally. The thing is, it isn’t bullshit — both sides are distinct and both succeed on their own terms. On the “new wave” side, Sera Timms’ huge Siouxsie Sioux-inspired vocals punctuate Bennett’s simple post-punk chords. On the “old world” side, guitars and vocals swirl like fog and smoke over a burning field, or something equally distressing and depressing. Both halves taken their own, independent of one another, suggests two very different bands, both operating at full capacity; taken together you get a far richer experience — transcendence laced with different textures. –Aaron [LISTEN]