Paul Chain Violet Theatre — Detaching From Satan
The CD comes in a card sleeve that recreates the original ep sleeve & artwork in mini- we get the CD it's self in a mini plastic slip sleeve, an inner paper sleeve, one sheet inlay notes, and sticker.
This project was formed in 1984 by Italian musician, producer and sound engineer Paul Chain. And on this ep the band was a three piece taking in: Chain on Guitar, Keyboards, Vocals, and chorus, Paul Dark on Bass, and Eric Lumen on Drums & Chorus.
The four original tracks run between just under four minutes to nearing eight, and they offer up an distinctive mixture of mid-paced-to-upbeat doom & flits of dark psychedelic rock which are topped off with Mr Chain’s vocals- these sound like a mixture of a more evil Robert Plant & wavering death rock vocalist. And dotted at the start & through-out the tracks we have more experimental detours- like sinister mixers of organ buzz & eerier guitar picks texturing, smeared out church choirs, through to creep church organ break-downs, and beyond. As debuts go this is most impressive, as the bands distinctive sound is already firmly in place and each of the four original tracks manage to be memorable, atmospheric, and creative.
The two extra tracks come form of "Pentagon Society", and "Vivid Eyes In The Dark"- the first track comes in at the epic 30.40 mark, and the second just shy of the 18 minute mark- both of them sound like live recordings. The first track see the band in a jammed out mood, moving more into the dark psychedelic rock side of their sound, with some more laid back doom touches. The second track is a bit more rawer & galloping up- beat doom wise, though the psychedelic rock elements are still retained. Both of these extra tracks are fairly interesting additions showing the band in a more wondering, though still atmospheric mood. Both tracks largely leave out the more experimental elements, but neither are really up to the quality & focus of the original ep tracks.
This release is my first taste of any of Mr Chains work, and I must say I was most impressed by the projects distinctive & original take on doom. So if you enjoy mid- to-up beat doom, and are after something with some creative in it’s attack this is well worth a look…I look forward to checking out more of the projects work in the near future.