Have you ever wondered what triumph over adversity sounds like? The answer lies in 'Trickery', the seventh album from gothic post-punk legends Then Comes Silence. On the eve of its first-ever US tour, Then Comes Silence is suddenly and unexpectedly reduced to a three-piece. Would their famed darkwave wall-of-sound still work? The answer was yes, so much so that the band resolved to continue with the slimmed-down line-up permanently. This metamorphosis of the band has led to a different way of creating music and performing live. 'Trickery' was recorded in just three days, capturing the essence of the trio's live prowess. With Jonas Fransson's energetic punk backbeat, Hugo Zombie's inventive guitar lines, the main focus remains on singer and bassist Alex Svenson, whose velvety croon and solid bass lines are enhanced on 'Trickery' by retro synth sounds. The band's existential crisis also resulted in a re-assessment of their very raison d'être, reflected lyrically on the new album. 'Trickery' celebrates friendship, unity and the feeling of belonging to a group, a tribe. "Being a part of what many people call 'the goth and post-punk community' is a great privilege. After being on the road meeting people from the music scene for so many years, we have experienced a caring and welcoming community. Both old and young, some with a similar background and some just for the love of the music and the culture that comes with the lifestyle. No one is free from apprehension and fear. Everyone feels some kind of alienation to a certain extent. You might often think you need to camouflage yourself to feel part of a scene, to make a change to fit into the group. The need for friendship is strong, so you adapt. Maybe not always the way you hoped, but then... there are moments when we unite and harmonize with other people and feel an incredible community together. That feeling is priceless and a blessing. Friendship is love. It is important and worth fighting for."
Released early April, 2024 on Metropolis Records.
English