Trance to the Sun: Atrocious Virgin (CD)

The Physical version of this release is on Precipice. The Digital version is through Projekt.

A review by MIKE VENTAROLA of hiddensanctuary Mp3.com station
I am frequently baffled that bands from sunny California are able to make the most delightful goth music to rival the European counterparts or even those in darker climates. Trance to the Sun is one of a few select bands from that part of the world whose previous compilation appearances, CD’s and tour dates read like a who’s who for the goth underground. Despite the multiple band lineup changes over the years, the core group remained tenacious and steadfast. They are applauded and adored by fans worldwide because they haven’t sold out to the corporate mindset looking for the one hit wonder of the week. Instead, they created a legacy of music that is at once entertaining as it is intelligent. Needless to say, all of their work will continue to be regarded as legendary, groundbreaking and proficient.

Old and new fans alike will find the latest Trance To The Sun recording, “Atrocious Virgin” one that will leave mouths gaping. This is surely the band’s best work to date and it will be some task for another band to follow behind this March 2001 release in order to become the next talk of the town. This CD will do for the band what Sever did for This Ascension.

In addition to all the quality music, which runs over an hour, are also the included graphics of paintings by Ingrid Blue, which transforms this CD into an enmeshment of art on many levels. Blue’s artistic merits have been featured on previous recordings, however this body of work seems to convey a ghostly whispered accompaniment with the songs. It is akin to walking into a deserted mansion and finding artwork hanging dustily from the walls, begging for the viewer to connect with the lurking spirit lying just beneath the painted surface. What makes the entire body unique is the fact that they kept close to their dark roots, but created a distinctive sound that they can clearly call their own. From the opening song, Sleeping With The Natives, we are introduced to a melodic urgency that segues with Ms. Blue’s vocals that are at once mesmerizing as they are hypnotic. The musicianship is tight and focused throughout the entire recording. The electronics are firmly married with guitars and bass while the band also found a way to create sounds that no one has utilized thus far. The vibrancy is so flawless that it has that “recorded live” electricity to it.

The lyrics read like a chapter from an exclusive book of dark poetry, where one may very well replay the track to ruminate over the words(this is highly encouraged). The lyrics are as mentally stimulating and as descriptive as the artwork that is included. One can easily surmise that this is going to put the Gothworld on its head. The band has offered so much for the consumer’s dollar while still being offering a fresh vitality to the underground. There are tracks for all tastes, from the more melancholic, slow and introspective groove such as Horse Head Lake to the dark dance cut such as Thistle Lurid, which DJ’s can feature for their playlists.

Rather than remaining stuck at some focal point, Trance to the Sun evolves with each recording, growing along with the listener to bring about new parameters and perspectives. The music is approachable for the new teen fans but also maintains the sharp incisive edge leveled for the elder goth crowd. At the risk of sounding too bold, I would suggest that all the band members anchor a ball and chain around their ankles until a few more CD’s can be churned out. The band member formula works extremely well and quite frankly, anyone who misses a “live” performance of this work had best be on their deathbed or forever kick themselves later on.