Bankrolled by a successful Pledge Music campaign, A New Nature is Esben & The Witch’s third full-length offering in five years – and the first since their amicable split with Matador. Ambitious and slow-burning, it is decidedly less punky than earlier releases.
Intense vocals and sparse electric guitar are to the fore, creating a spacey prog rock edge. Singer Rachel Davies’ wailing is uncannily reminiscent of PJ Harvey. The similarity doesn’t end there. Both acts share acclaimed producer Steve Albini; indeed, in terms of melody and production, the album is so like Harvey that it often feels derivative.
There are good things. The opening track ‘Press Heavenwards!’ is enjoyably otherworldly – but, at 10 minutes, it is a tad self-indulgent. Elsewhere, the almost 15-minute ‘The Jungle’ is plain excessive – it just goes on for too long. More successful are ‘Blood Teachings’ (again unmistakably Harvey-esque) and ‘Bathed in Light’: luxurious romps with more than a touch of Chelsea Wolfe. Gothic and atmospheric, A New Nature weaves seamlessly between airy melody and intense sonic energy. But next time out they truly need to transcend their influences.