THE DEATH OF A PARTY "The Rise And Fall Of Scarlet City" (Double Negative) Review by Corey Schmidt
If THE BLOOD BROTHERS' Jordan Blilie ever met up with members of the defunct DESPISTADO, it's likely that the two forces would create music much like that on The Rise And Fall Of Scarlet City, the debut disc from THE DEATH OF A PARTY. From Oakland, California, this quartet succeeds in matching the angular post-punk DESPISTADO offered on their two releases for Jade Tree; however, they're not quite as rowdy as those Canadians, particularly in the vocal department. Vocalist Gareth Nicholas has a distinct way of singing in a low, near haunting tone which brings to mind Blilie's similar style. Aside from jangly cuts like "Weekend," "The Fox And The Hound," "Amateur Night In The O.R.," and Coronation Under Scarlet Seas," THE DEATH OF A PARTY also have a jazzy, ballad-esque side. "Emerald Crowns" is a piano-driven stance with a whole lotta classic pop influence, "The Fucking Ocean" offers a climactic build-up complete with psychedelic ending, and "The Gentle Art Of Making Enemies" contains a creepy aura that is eventually overtaken by a frantic, screamy chorus. While a little more energy would work well for the band, The Rise And Fall Of Scarlet City is an otherwise diverse collection of songs from a genre that's becoming harder and harder to diversify.
