Review: "Algedonic" Album by The BlueStocking
/
Moscow based rock quintet The BlueStocking offers a darkly beautiful theatrical ode with their debut album “Algedonic”. With a distinctly cabaret-like flavor, the songs churn intensely. Stylistically they draw from elements of jazz, cinema, progressive rock, and elements of improvisation thrown in for good measure.
Everything feels positively alive thanks in part to The BlueStocking’s fiery delivery. Instrumentally rich, the sheer number feels absolutely awe inspiring. Guitar riffs ring true as saxophones scream out into the air. Of course, the true unifying force of this entire journey is the power of the vocals which have a commanding presence. Lyrics are sung with urgency, propelling these tracks forward in a majestic manner.
Influences abound throughout the “Algedonic” album. The Dresden Dolls appears to be influential on their sound and style, for, like them, The BlueStocking goes for a bewilderingly dark noirish quality. For the less obvious, they choose the theatrical oddities of Mr. Bungle. Akin to that group, The BlueStocking refuses to be easily pigeonholed while they mess with tempo, rhythm, even style within a single song. All of it works wonders for the kaleidoscopic rush of color feels palpable, as the whole of the album has a gracious, lovely hue to it.
Setting things off on a high note is the tremendous wave of “Rhyme” where the song transforms itself into an absolute frenzy. “OCD” goes for a chaotic flair, with the piano playing emphasizing a sense of loss. By far the highlight the way the vocals, guitar riffs, and horns merge into a stream of consciousness stuns. Emotionally fraught, “Bulletinawallet” opts for an angular approach, for they draw from some of post-punk’s vigor.
Nods to a rambunctious jazz wafts into the air on “Never Ready”. Wonderful guitars emerge on the dreamy vibes of “Well” with everything going for a blissed-out style. “Awakening” has a righteous defiant stride to it while the rhythms ring true. Stripped down to the essentials, “Don’t Look Back” has a more intimate approach, going for something that feels subdued. Ambitious and sprawling the feral energy of “Look at My Face” brings the “Algedonic” album to a gracious finale.
The “Algedonic” album delivers a gorgeous celebratory procession, one that shows off The BlueStocking’s stark uncompromising vision.