Blonde Redhead
“Misery Is A Butterfly”
(4AD)
On their latest release, “Misery Is A Butterfly” Blonde Redhead find themselves in familiar territory, only on a different record label this time around. Shifting from the staunchly independent Chicago-based Touch And Go Records, to the U.K. friendly 4AD record label, Blonde Redhead seem to be progressing quite naturally as a bands’ evolution goes – and that tends to include changing record labels once and awhile. Not straying far from their previous releases, “Melody Of Certain Damaged Lemons” and “Kazulality,” the brothers Amedeo and Simone Pace and Kazu XXX have weaved together yet another beautifully gossamer-like recording with “Misery Is A Butterfly.”
The first single, “Elephant Woman” is an eerie lullaby, while the third track “Melody” is perhaps the most beautiful funeral dirge ever to be written. Blonde Redhead’s lyrics are cryptic and very much more personal than your typical ’emo’ bands’ rants about breaking up with your girlfriend, and trying to skate an empty swimming pool. Also an acquired taste, Blonde Redhead has built a healthy following of fans that keep their performances sold-out and albums in demand. “Misery Is A Butterfly” is an extremely melancholy, yet rocking album.
Much more “melancholy” than Smashing Pumpkins’ double album fiasco “Melancholy And The Infinite Sadness.” Trust me kids, you’re stupid if you don’t check this album out. Challenged…in a mental way of sorts.
