Misery Is a Butterfly

iTunes Review

Continuing their relationship with Fugazi’s Guy Picciotto (producer), Misery Is a Butterfly emerges from the Blonde Redhead's newly spun chrysalis with fresh confidence and focus. Picciotto clearly understands the less-is-more aesthetic demanded by music that is understated and yet capable of evoking moods ranging from the darkly sinister to the disquietingly romantic. “Elephant Woman” is a gem, with violins, keyboards and clavinet entwined with Kazu Makino’s gauze-wrapped vocals to unsettling effect, while her hooky chorus on “Equus” feels oddly sticky, warm and sweet, like something once delicious decaying in the sun. Guitarist Amadeo Pace’s ragged vocals, squeaking out lines like “I am just a man, still learning how to fall” (on the vertiginous “Falling Man”) and hovering, ominous strings on songs like “Misery Is a Butterfly” and “Doll Is Mine” offer plentiful texture and color. “Maddening Cloud” is another key track, with rippling keyboards and a circling chorus pulling the listener in. Blonde Redhead might consider this the real start of their second career.