Continues - Continues

Since it's release in May, I've listened to this countless times, and since having the CD, quite simply haven't been able to escape the charms of it.Formed by Dan Gatto (of Babyland fame),Continues' debut album is a deft approach in Synthpop with a Minimal undertone to it.

Recently preceded by a Remix EP (review to follow), this disc has had the most lasting of effects on me, and judging by other reviewers, I'm far from the only one.

Beginning with the anthemic "Lost Life", Gatto provides an immediate gateway to a profound release. Built over catchy and simple synth, Dan has a voice that is incredibly powerful, distinctive and beautiful. The chorus to the song is one of the most beautiful I've ever heard, and the minimal nature of it not only separates it from its peers, but it further accentuates a truly powerful vocal. The reason this has taken me so long to review is that I quite simply haven't found the words - this track is beyond beautiful.

Leading into "Reckless Heart", Gatto delivers the most delicate of one-twos. "Lost Life" finishes with what is effectively a deep, gasping breath, and it's followed by another blissfully gentle, emotive piece of music. The Drums are deep and full, and the main melody comes in with a soft build up that reminds me of the Acoustics on "Zero" by Smashing Pumpkins. Gatto's voice on here is breathtaking - the way he sings "I never tried to sympathise" always gives me the goosebumps.

I think a lot of the appeal to Continues lurks beyond the heartfelt, gorgeous lyrics, or the voice - as absolutely captivating as they are, it's the minimal edge that makes this work so well. The band name is portrayed as "..." (ellipses), which literally suggests a Continuation. It also links indirectly to Dan's previous work with Babyland, a band whom I regrettably never discovered until this release.

I'd be lying if I said anything on the album is weak, it's all beautifully performed and put together. It's the only album of this style I've ever fallen for, and I can only emphasize that term. For me, however, I can't see the appeal in a track-by-track. Music like this needs to be breathed, felt, nurtured.

Therefore, I'll go with "September" as the other track to mention. I consider it the strongest of the three, not for any reason other than personal meaning to me.

It starts with a small synth section, then kicks in to a slow, gentle vocal - "The first time you held my hand, it kind of scared me", and from then on it becomes an absolute tear-jerker. The synth that carries the song is incredibly anthemic, and it's a track I've listened to continuously longer than anything else in my entire life.

I think the trick to Continues is to discard any preconceptions. Dan has one hell of a huge album here, it's as delicate and tender as stained glass, but has an edgy side to it, which we see on tracks such as "Reception".

In a word : Majestic.
Sep 10 2012