(This review first appeared in issue #62 of Shindig! magazine.)
Death
Waltz CD / LP
In the wrong hands a
spoof spaghetti western soundtrack could be an ill-advised dish. Not
a problem here, Federale's third LP is cooked to al dente perfection.
Its musical cues are taken straight from the master, Ennio Morricone:
haunting whistled melodies, twangy guitars, high strings and mariachi
brass all present and correct. Though they're not the only band to
attempt this sound, with the likes of Spindrift ploughing a similar
furrow, what really sets them apart is the vocal narrative: sinister
tales of vengeance and violence delivered in a pleasingly deep
baritone. Think Nick Cave and Scott Walker singing a song-cycle set
on the Andalusian plains.
For an album that
wears its influences so proudly on its sleeve, (literally with
artwork that pays homage to Scott 3), it's a true gem, packed
with all the darkness and drama you can handle. Widescreen, cinematic
Americana doesn't get much better than this.
