LP: Presto Chango Records PCR 008-1 (on transparent blue vinyl)
Released: May 18, 2015Band:
Saskia van der Giessen – vocals, guitar, violin, viola
Arne Wolfswinkel – guitar, bass, keys
Bas Snabilie – drumsGuests:
Sarah Malpass – backing vocals (here and there)
Corno Zwetsloot – percussion on track 3Recorded at the Next to Jaap Studio, Voorhout, June 7-9, 2014
Recorded & mixed by Corno Zwetsloot
Mastered by Tammo KersbergenCover design by Arne Wolfswinkel
Note: Circles is a song by Pete Townshend / The Who
“Changing Lights, the latest release from Labasheeda, is a prickly collection of songs that leaves the listener with a lot on their mind. The whole record is saturated with a spiky, unsettling feel a little like, maybe, Throwing Muses, with added hardcore edges. Saskia van der Giessen’s vocals are affecting throughout, at times lilting and lovely. But it’s when she’s at her snarliest that the sparks fly.
Opener Spiral Song, sets the angsty mood with a spare drum beat and wailing violin. The three-piece seem close to relaxing on On The Beach, with its almost (almost) slackerish vibe, but while the lyrics seem to say ‘everything feels alright’, there’s an undercurrent that suggests this might be a bit optimistic. Tightrope is as taut as the title suggests. Instrumental Into the Wide ends the album in a woeful whirl, with the violin taking centre stage while guitars growl in the background.”
Sarah Cuthbert-Kerr (Primal Music)