If I didn't review records, I'm sure I'd never have heard of this disc, since it really doesn't fall into any of the different genres of pop/rock music I listen to. In saying that, I expose some of my ignorance to the huge independent world of music, or maybe the independent music world is just too big for anybody to fully absorb. Either way, I'm glad Scarlet Slipping's "Fire in the Mist" came my way. First of all, it enlightens me to a synth-driven, Goth sound I'm not totally clued in to. Although reading Scarlet Slipping's bio on the Web, Dawn Wagner (who is all of Scarlet Slipping) doesn't particularly care for the Goth comparisons. Second, it introduced me to Wagner's angelic voice, which is hypnotizing throughout the whole disc.
Wagner truly embodies DIY. Not only does she compose the tracks, she performs, records and mixes them, too. Outside of mastering the disc, Wagner does it all and when you sit down and listen to the disc, you'll be impressed by the complexities involved in making the record and the talent Wagner possesses. The disc opens up with the lyrics "We are naked, we are scarred" before the pounding drum machine and synthesizer drive the song into full gear of the track "We Are." I also dug the tracks "Scissor Candy" and "Snowflakes." I feel there is hint of Mazzy Star and PJ Harvey lingering in her voice and her music. Scarlet Slipping is definitely worth a listen. -NH