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Libitina 
A Closer Communion 
~reviewed By: BlackOrpheus(A.F)

Libitina was a Roman goddess associated with darkness, and the shades. It is also the moniker of a startlingly good Sheffield, England gothic - darkwave band. They are, yet another of my web surfing discoveries. I have to wonder, if I'm not guided by some unseen hand at times. "A Closer Communion," is the third release for Libitina. They've also released "Goddess of the Shades," and "The Last Rites  of Spring." They are very much deserving of a far greater audience than the one they've garnered thus far. If I said this was a band worthy of your attention, would you search them out? It is my fervent wish, that you will in fact, do so. 

I have to admire a band, that was facile enough to cover Pulp's Common People. Their take is entitled "gothic People," and it is simply delightful, nothing dodgey here at all. It remains faithful to the original spirit of the song. They took a great song, and created an instant neo - gothic anthem. I will be going straight-away to my local club dj, to try and get it into his rotation. 

"The Ephemeral Bed Of Fire," is a skillfully crafted song. I was awestruck, by the emotion conveyed in it's vivid imagery. When he sings "I shall block my ears to your call, I prefer to lash myself to the mast To the thought of tying myself to you," his resolve is palpable. I understand it's a resolve born of disappointment, in the limitations of self, and relationship. The drums, bass, and synth establishes an effective intro to the tortured vocal pinings. This is another song, that will tout  to all my friends. It is very good.

There was a great deal to admire on this album. "My Beautiful Sustenance,' was yet another. Musically, it was intriguing to listen to. I particularly was enthralled with that tight bass line. This was a great piece of work. It all worked wonderfully well. The imagery created by the lyrics, remained consistent. It painted the most gothic picture, with it's brush strokes of death, and decay. Note this passage "And come willing to me, coin in mouth, Give me your so pretty cadaver, Accept this, the cold kiss of death. Closer, closer, in this lovers embrace, Warm breath touches sallow skin," this is stock gothic imagery. I loved it. 

Serendipity, is an apt word for this new discovery. It is the aptitude for happening upon fortunate discoveries, when you aren't looking for them. This was a very fortunate discovery. I never cease to be amazed by the  wealth of talent existing outside the mainstream. If one could harness, promote, and merchandise it...I have no doubts, it would surpass that of corporate sponsored, seal of approval bands. Until that happens, stay ahead of the curve; buy these albums, and see these shows whenever you can. 

Web Site: http://www.libitina.demon.co.uk/