The majority of popular music today is comprised of pointless lyrics and safe musicianship. Many bands and artists are reluctant to deviate from the radio model, content to create mediocre songs in favor of garnering public appeal. Australian band Closure in Moscow takes every mainstream cliche and throws it out the window with their debut full length album First Temple.
The first thing the listener will notice about First Temple is the extravagant and, at times, complex symbolic lyrics. Christopher de Cinque's elaborate words carry each song and his passionate voice, enhanced by Mansur Zennelli's back up vocals, reflects the writing perfectly. The opening track "Kissing Cousins" blasts society and human nature, condemning our tendency to live our lives with apathetic indifference and never be satisfied or content. It says, "We have never lived / we have never even tried / Come on now give that burden to me / We have never lived / we're just creeping all our days / And you could feast an age / feast and still feel famine all the same."
Lyrics are just one half of the intricate machine that is First Temple. Each track is supported by a unique and captivating musical backdrop. Guitarists Michael Barrett and Mansur Zennelli have discarded typical composition and infused each song with an onslaught of intriguing melodies and off-tempo breakdowns. Duncan Miller offers groovy and driving bass lines that carry the melody with pleasant precision. Salvatore Aidone provides each song with a solid backbone, adding to the band's progressive sound with his technical and experimental drum style.
Closure in Moscow is raising the bar when it comes to progressive and experimental music. First Temple is an enlightening experience of intelligent lyrics and unique musicianship that will renew your hope in music. The value of creativity over mainstream accessibility is a breath of fresh air in today's world of dumbed-down, over-produced rubbish.
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