Lolita Terrorist Sounds – Curse (2022)
Described by author Nick Soulsby as “splicing together the grit and dirty glamour of the best 80s coldwave and industrial rock – with 21st-century shine and shiver…”, Berlin-based Lolita Terrorist Sounds has a ground-breaking attitude to their sound. The brainchild of singer-songwriter Maurizio Vitale, this avant-garde group have been creating indefinable music for several years; although, this is my introduction to them. Vitale’s past career has seen collaborations with members of acclaimed bands such as Iggy Pop and Faust, and his present collabs are as impressive.
Featured in publications and press from exclusive acoustic shows on German Radio Eins to coverage on Progressive Rock Journal, Lolita Terrorist Sounds are turning heads across the globe. Following their well-received song ‘Shaved Girl’, the band release the single ‘Curse’. Seductive and provocative, ‘Curse’ navigates the world of shamanism and modern voodoo. Alright, it doesn’t take an in-depth look, but it glances at tribal rituals and magic spells used to influence life experiences.
Released during the weekend of the full moon, ‘Curse’ is unconventional and can be a little overwhelming. Unlike the previous song ‘Shaved Girl’ which was filled with an avant-garde grittiness, ‘Curse’ adopts a slightly more obscure sound. Just as gritty but there appears to be a less “in your face” sound, despite the unorthodox arrangement. Using tribal drumming and metal percussions, ‘Curse’ opens with a mystical aura; however, this is quickly changed as heavy metal guitars take over the instrumentation. Interestingly enough, while the track has a frantic energy to the chaotic arrangement, it still has a degree of harmonic flow beneath the melody.
Just as the instrumentation has you up against the wall, Vitale’s vocals contribute to the abrasive style. Spine-chilling and haunting with its brash boldness, the vocal execution instigates a palpable grittiness in ‘Curse’. The grittiness is, however, swirled in a mystical ambience that is kaleidoscopic while still retaining a sense of simplicity in its eclectic approach.
So, what is my overall opinion of ‘Curse’? Honestly, it creeped me out a little and was slightly terrifying the first time I listened to it. An assault to the senses, the intoxicating melody draws you down into a grimy mire gasping for breath as Lolita Terrorist Sounds seep into your soul. It is not for the faint-hearted, but if you’re interested in something a little different then ‘Curse’ is it.
For more from Lolita Terrorist Sounds check out their Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Spotify.
This artist was discovered via Musosoup #sustainablecurator
