There are a few sweeping indie bands on the rise right now, and any one of them could be next to conquer alt radio. The Cordial Sins are a group I would place on that list.
Their EP In Memory is brief yet captures a driving, addictive sound that is a natural evolution into my favorite iterations of the band thus far. The band posted the other day that they get compared a lot to The Cranberries—for sure a compliment, but also a cop-out mainstream comparison that I wouldn’t have thought of on my own. Their sound is at once familiar and completely unique to them.
Liz Fisher’s vocals are as distinct as ever. “Cruel” is a top 20 single of the year contender for me; I’ve mentioned it before on this blog, but my love for this journey through hazy darkness is worth emphasizing. I like the way it builds up at the end and then just leaves you hanging in the wake of the angst.
“You Are A Weight” is a short but sweet opening track that almost acts as a sonic counterpart to “Cruel,” with the way it starts in the haze, before transitioning into a driving alt-rock track as if to signify Liz Fisher’s emotions boiling over.”For All I Know” fully embraces the angst in the context of a shoegaze/pop hybrid, with an anthemic hook and bridge.
To go back to “Cruel,” I like the intentionality of the track order on this EP. Though it’s autobiographical to Liz lyrically (she’s addressed this in other write-ups), her story is a common one. The EP seems to reflect the emotions and turmoil of getting over a past love—with all its triumph and trials, peaks and valleys. The tension of trying to let go and the euphoria that results when you do let go. The intro to “Cruel” and then the namesake provide a moment of temporary peace after the initial angst of the first two tracks, and then everything culminates in “Mandy.” Even the subtle bass lines of John Allen play a key role in communicating this mood. Having three guitars at work (Corey Dickerson on lead with Kyle Edwards and Liz complementing and layering as fit) adds further depth and versatility to each mood conveyed, with Mike Ortiz’s grooves keeping everything grounded. The reprise of “For All I Know,” a short looping melody by Liz on violin, communicates resolution rather than lingering, as if to indicate that she’s moved on.
In Memory is out now on Diversion Records, an indie label out of Chicago. Follow the band on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
