Darkwave
revivalist sweethearts Lebanon Hanover have just released their sixth
album entitled "Sci-Fi Sky" on Fabrika Records. The duo of
Larissa Iceglass and William Maybelline appear as true romantics of the modern
age, an ice-cold reply to the alienated and pandemic stricken world coming from
two warm beating hearts.
What is immediately evident by listening to the album, as on the opener
"Living On The Edge", is the wall of sound provided by distorted
electric guitar. A step away from their more minimal, stark approach on
previous works. On the second track "Golden Child", after an
intro with bass and xylophones, the guitars step in and William takes over lead
vocals. The distorted guitars are even more upfront on "Garden Gnome"
where Larissa sings. The first time we got to hear their new sound with the
doom-laden electric guitar brought so upfront was in September when the video
for "Digital Ocean" was uploaded. The video was filmed by the sea
somewhere in Greece with an original 80s VHS camcorder. "The Last Thing"
that follows was the first single from the album released in March during the
Covid-19 pandemic lockdown. The video was filmed in the industrial area of Neckarau,
Mannheim in Germany amongst other places. A classic example of the duo’s musical
cold tones with Larissa’s characteristic melancholy, almost depressed vocal
expression.
Halfway through
we have "Angel Face" where William sings accompanied by acoustic
guitar offering one of the most emotional moments of the album. While on "Hard
Drug" Larissa’s warm voice floats gently on a melodic piece brought by
brooding bass, jangly guitar and a minimalistic thumping drum. Both members
take turns singing on "Third Eye In Shanghai" a dark piece driven by
a flanged guitar line. Things get captivating with the mantra like "Your
Pure Soul" and even more spiritual on the closing track "Come Kali
Come" with its eastern elements, sounding like nothing they have ever done
before.
"Sci-Fi Sky"
comes as a CD in a lovely gatefold case with booklet and also as a double vinyl.
The vinyl issue will be featured in three colored variations. On splatter moon
grey and yellow, splatter white and blue, splatter white and dark green.
Review by
Nick Drivas
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