Year: 2020
Total Time: 54:34
Label: Prophecy Productions
“When will you stop pouring starlight over me?” this is how the wonderful chorus of ‘Sulphur & Starlight’ begins – one of the many catchy choruses of ‘Summerland’. It is true; The light has no special place on the second album of the Dutch Dark rockers DOOL. Dool means “to wander” in Dutch and it perfectly reflects the band’s wanderlust as they delve into the various manifestations of dark Rock music.
Having in their ranks the rhythm section (Job van de Zande and Micha Haring) of the legendary THE DEVIL’S BLOOD, the group begins its journey from the Occult Rock of the aforementioned and makes stops at the different locations of Psychedelic Rock, Gothic, Doom and even Alternative Rock.
Guided by the captivating voice of Ryanne van Dorst, “Summerland” explores the pagan afterlife. But we are not talking about folk music here. The search is purely spiritual. On the contrary, there is an intense middle eastern mysticism that brings to mind bands such as THE TEA PARTY. Listen to “The God Particle” for example with its wonderful acoustic guitars and intoxicating melodies. The guitars are simply beautiful and weave a diverse canvas of notes. But don’t expect to hear a lot of distortion. The band prefers a clearer approach to its sound, one that is rich and playful. Solos, in particular, are among the highlights of the album and those who enjoy melodic solos in the vein of YEAR OF THE GOAT will have a good time with them.
The Dutch mix their influences very successfully. From the psychedelic finish of “The Well’s Run Dry”, with the participation of Okoi Jones of BOLZER, to the Alternative Rock balladry of “Ode To The Future” (which reminded me of PJ HARVEY…). And from the groovy “Be Your Sins” (HEART’s “Barracuda” meets GHOST) featuring the heavy weight name of Per Wiberg (OPETH, SPIRITUAL BEGGARS) on Hammond, to the dreamy Shoegaze Post Rock of the self-titled song, to the majestic Doom finale of “Dust & Shadow”.
DOOL turned a lot of heads three years ago with their awesome debut “Here Now, There Then” and made a lot of buzz with their appearance at Roadburn. After whetting our appetite last year with their impeccable cover of KILLING JOKE’s classic tune “Love Like Blood”, they came back this year to deliver another amazing album. ‘Summerland’ I believe, will establish them as one of the most special bands of the genre with their gloomy atmosphere bridging the gap from D-A-D to CHELSEA WOLFE and from SISTERS OF MERCY to A PERFECT CIRCLE.
Rating: 8/10
Editor: Dimitris Benetatos
Related Link: DOOL – Official Page
