True Widow

This album germinates at a snail's pace, but time and repeat listens uncover a sublimely raw, moving record. The Dallas, TX trio spread nine songs over nearly 50 minutes on their sophomore release. Upon first listen, the slow, plodding, shoegaze style borders on boring, and almost warrants discarding the disc immediately. But there's a silent quality that makes it impossible to turn away, as if the band's revealing the album's potential without unravelling each nuance the first time through. The thick, droning guitars turn into a hypnotic force ― notes linger longer than usual and the bass reinforces that with smooth, lulling tones. On "Skull Eyes," True Widow uncover the apex of the album; Nicole Estill's comforting voice calms the anxiety created by the deep, growling bass that intros the track. While no other song reaches the same level of poignancy, the album moves from hazy ("Blooden Horse") to dark and creepy ("Night Witches"), strengthening its hold on the listener. As High as the Highest Heavens is a slow building album you won't regret putting on repeat.