Gothic Americana, a genre that is often left off the table of discussion in the dark music scene. But revivalist act, Ancine, breathes vicious new life into a oft-forgotten style with his new EP, "Death Hymns: Book of Desolation". Raw and gritty, like a rusty saw blade left in an abandoned barn, the sounds created by familiar instruments like the banjo and steel guitar are rendered visceral and unsettling in their discordance. The most unique thing is the way the songs are structured and composed; Ancine writes bluegrass with a grindcore mentality. "Crowhaven " in particular mixes in ferocious vocals on top of his blend of dark Americana. Across all 5 songs on the EP, we are treated to sole member Mike Giallo's brand of vocals that howl and growl, yet moan and croon with the same affect as any musician in the Delta Blues scene. "Barn of the Naked Dead" is a perfect example of his range, as well as the more rural influences on his soundscapes. As morose and dark as the songs are, they are certainly not lacking a haunting beauty to them. While the melodies are uniquely discordant, they will stick with you long after the last reverb-drenched note rings out from the banjo. "Death Hymns: Book of Desolation" is truly a breath of fresh air in its boldness and is definitley not your granddad's brand of good ol' boy blues. The new wave of Gothic Americana has arrived, and its name is unapologetically Ancine.
Standout Tracks: "Cemetery Without Crosses" and "Crowhaven"
