"The Secret Life of Spiders" by Switchyard

a Review by Anna Maria Stjärnell

"Silent Passenger" starts this record with an almost unnatural sweetness. Rachel Bellinsky's vocal drifts over the backing, siren-like.

"Two Things" is a scary lyric set against a placid melody. The band's skills become apparent here.

"Salt of the sea" is intriguing and jazzy. I'm reminded of Elysian Fields and Bellinsky even has some of Jennifer Charles's languor.

"Tamarindo" is a fine example of understated heartbreak. Bellinsky whispers and still she's eloquent.

Glenn Danzig's "Hybrid Moments" is covered. I'm not familiar with the original, but surely it never sounded like this.

Switchyard prove themselves to be a great band and this is a classy record.

Posted on February 3, 2006