Remnants of a Deeper Purity by Black Tape for a Blue Girl

a Review by Anna Maria Stjärnell

This is an expanded reissue of a classic darkwave album. Founder Sam Rosenthal and then band members Oscar Herrera, Lucian Casselman and Vicki and Mera Roberts created an intriguing neo-classical record.

Oscar and Lucian’s vocals are pure and gorgeous and the arrngemnets sumptuous.

“With My Sorrows” is austere and Herreras’s vocal suitably forlorn. The songs sheer beauty prevents it from being too somber. The strings by Vicki and Mera Roberts are used well.

“For you will burn your wings upon the sun” is no less autumnal and its grace is hymnal as it unfolds. Herrera’s dramatic vocal underscores the words of lost love.

“Fitful” has a near classical arrangement and a gorgeous melody.

The bonus disc includes live versions of the songs and the lovely “En la mar ay una torre”.

It’s a great package all told.

Posted on October 11, 2006