Mass Gothic - I've Tortured You Long Enough (Album Review)
Thursday, 06 September 2018
Written by Liam Turner
Photo: Addison Post
Mass Gothic. ‘I’ve Tortured You Long Enough’. Sounds like the project of some perpetually sad emo band, doesn’t it? On the contrary - this is dirty, guitar-driven synth-pop at its finest.
Everything about the second Mass Gothic LP beguiles, from the aggressive, downtuned guitars to the cold, sparse synths. Yet, the underlying message is one of love, devotion, and the joy that can come from codependency. This time around Noel Heroux is joined by his wife, Jessica Zambri, and the result is a record that celebrates a relationship that spans almost two decades.
This exploration of codependency primarily comes through in the lyrics, which are simple yet stirring. “To fall with you, every day / We go to Hell, we go to Heaven,” Zambri sings on brooding opener Dark Window.
On the synth-smothered Keep on Dying, she adds: “You keep on dying, every day till you drop / I’ve gotta find a way to be OK with it all.”
The input of both husband and wife to the record also reflects this theme. Zambri and Heroux have long been involved with each other’s creative work to some extent, but here Mass Gothic has truly expanded from a solo project to a duo.
Zambri’s vocals soar over nearly every track, whether it’s on Dark Window or the guitar-laden ballad How I Love You. Heroux has largely relegated himself to backing vocals, perhaps realising Zambri's ethereal timbre better suits the record’s crepuscular vibe.
This collection is wonderfully concise, too. It’s nine tracks long, and not one sounds superfluous, misplaced or overwrought. Such efficiency is no doubt born from the limitations Heroux and Zambri embraced during the writing and recording process, having travelled around the US in a car for a year after moving out of their Brooklyn apartment and selling all but their essential possessions. After an eclectic Mass Gothic debut and Heroux’s very crowded outings with Hooray for Earth, the result is a far more focused end product.
‘I’ve Tortured You Long Enough’ celebrates the love Heroux and Zambri have for one another, and the willingness to share all aspects of their lives. More importantly, it’s a demonstration of what can be achieved when two people fully understand each other, both creatively and emotionally.
Mass Gothic Upcoming Tour Dates are as follows:
Wed September 12 2018 - LONDON Sebright Arms
Thu September 13 2018 - MANCHESTER Castle Hotel
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