Cantata Sangui

Two basses and no guitar; I can't decide whether it's a cheap gimmick or a creative innovation. Cantata Sangui are a quintet of Finns into the occult, philosophy and minor musical experimentation - not just in instrumentation but in the song structure and genre combinations that make up their sound. The absence of guitar creates mid-range hollowness, an almost cavernous atmosphere that opens up space for some interesting bass and keyboard interaction. Above it all, velvety female vocals flow over the space and the interactivity, contrasted by guttural male accents. The melding of fluid melodies and rich bass lines carries a hint of Melissa Auf der Maur, but On Rituals and Correspondence in Constructed Realities is mostly metal/goth/alternative rock fusion, at times verging on electro-folk, with blast beats and Baroque art music. Some of the songs are irresistibly catchy, so either way - gimmick or innovation - Cantata Sangui have hit upon an effective, expressive strategy. Let's hope it doesn't become a lazy formula.