The debut album from The Dead of Night, the talented duo of Shadow and Morgana Duvessa, “Inert” is a dark, ominous soundscape that evokes a truly Gothic atmosphere in the classic sense of the word.  Much, much more than the usual boring ambient CD, or which there are far too many, “Inert” is the perfect album to read “The Catle of Otranto” or Polidori’s  “The Vampyre” to.   “The Gift of Which We Spoke” is poignant before turning dark and sinister.  “One Breath in Catharsis” provides a perfect counterpoint with strangely discordant piano and Morgana’s operatic vocals.  “His Wicked Voice Returns” is storm-laden and gloomy, with Shadows programming deftly seeming to lull the listener, yet containing hints of the otherworldly.  “Journey Mine” somehow reminds me of  Coppola’s classic film “Apocalypse Now.  “Broken Doll” is one of my favorite tracks, with Morgana’s austere voice and Shadow’s sparse yet haunting keyboards proving that sometimes less is really more. “Arcane Preparation” is more complex, with an off-kilter, yet effective combination of sounds that is very reminiscent of Steampunk.  “Restfulness” returns to the familiar Gothic  moors, with Shadows dark synth and various musical effects filling the spaces between Morgana’s rather monastic vocals which culminate in a spoken ending.  “Shallow Imagery” has rather Victorian sensibilities, with bleak keyboards and Morgana’s exquisite  vocals overlaying a choir-like background.  “The Black” is much more menacing, plodding inexorably like an army of the undead, complete with organ flourishes.  “Ghost of Perennial Mourning” strikes more of a wistful tone, with a hint of the dangers behind our most innocuous dreams.  “The Subtle Poignancy of a Dewdrop”  is very deep and brooding, then when it seems to be tapering  off,  it suddenly rises , ominous and sinister.   “Frontier” ends the album with a powerful orchestral foray, sounding classical yet a bit futuristic at the same time, with a hint of the Orient.

Superbly produced, each listening of “Inert” will reveal more musical pathways and nuances than are at first apparent.  Higly recommended for fans of Darkwave and related genres, or anyone who savors the dark tides of a starless night.

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