Ides Of Gemini - Women (Rise Above Records) 2017
9
Ides of Gemini’s Women is a haunting ode to the undeniable, innate power of the feminine. Led by the sublime strength of Sera Timms’ vocals, the quartet is at its boldest, its most focused and its most captivating. J. Bennett’s riffs are sludgy and narrative as ever–and, yet, feel lighter and more complex than on previous releases; Women spins a tale of conquest and triumph from “Mother Kiev” to “Queen of New Orleans.”
Wandering far from the doom-filled, ethereal tracks of the past, Timms’ dramatic voice is sheathed with a goth-rock veil that propels her words into a realm yet explored by the group. In the years since Old World New Wave, the band has shed a layer of its distinct occult vibe in exchange for an identity that is entirely reserved for themselves.
As a comprehensive storyline, Women is a mature, self-realized version of Ides of Gemini that is completely unshakable.