The Thousands

I’m all for quiet achievers. And unless I’ve been living under a rock lately (entirely possible) and have missed the media onslaught (also possible), the debut from Sirens of Venice is just that.

Craig Jackson (from Gersey) and his wife Camilla Jackson make slow burn, dark orchestral rock with some shoegaze fuzz to take the edge off. It’s not surprising to learn that Camilla works as an actress, and penned many of the songs. There’s a subdued drama to these tracks, like character studies, or mood pieces, with a smattering of catchy hooks to keep you glued to the screen. Something like Viva Voce, or The Flaming Lips, or Beaulah’s sad, expansive Yoko.

Named after the sirens that ring throughout Venice to alert locals that the water is rising, theirs is a sound of foreboding amongst incredible beauty. If restraint is a blessing then the Sirens are angels on high. Sirens of Venice is apolished and accomplished debut that kicks ass while being subtly enthused.