by Kris Handel (@khandel84)
Consummation is the fourth full length from New York via Maryland artist, Katie Von Schleicher and is a palette full of wide-ranging colors and emotions. Every track here builds and develops to an effortless flow despite erring towards darker introspection and relentless pursuit of moving forward with a greater resolve. Von Schleicher uses much broader strokes here than on her earlier records that had a bit of a brittle uncertainty that was usually teetering on the edge of collapse from the weight within. Von Schleicher continues to explore emotions and outward expressions of such on a level that is engrossing and adds a little more experimentation to go along with her swooping vocals that hit with a heavy impact.
“Wheel” is a seemingly upbeat tune that reminds a little of early Magnetic Fields with its chiming guitar, solid drum foundation, squiggly interjection, and pumping keys. Von Schleicher’s vocals slip from mid-register twirls to seductive bass with ease registering a kind of effortless cool that belies the loneliness and isolation in the songwriting. “Nowhere” continues the theme of loneliness and disconnection that seems eerily prescient and relevant at this exact moment of time, with its periods of sparse hums from keys beneath aching vocals before everything kicks back up triumphantly. Von Schleicher really hammers home the feeling of being out of place yet with a sense of grounding and comfort in solitary existence that is mystifying.
“Loud” has the feel of a classic late 60s-early 70s torch songs with added synth flourishes and a deep groove propelled by diving bass and Von Schleicher’s vocals that are washed in cloudy atmospherics. Everything clicks here with slicing guitar work finding space between strong drums and keyboards that refuse to be ignored as Von Schleicher implores “I can’t contain you…” in heartbreaking fashion. “Can You Help” is a sharp and sprightly paced tune that has Von Schleicher pleading for equal consideration and respect in life over new wave inspired keyboard and guitars. “Brutality” is one of the more noteworthy downtempo-esque tunes that carries a hauntingly dark current with pounding keyboards snaking between persistent bass drum hits and tight cymbal crashes.
Consummation is a record that hits so many varied atmospheres and a record that shows a great deal of self-belief while also recognizing and dealing with moments of insecurity. There is a wonderful depth of emotion and varying of tones that keeps the listener consistently engaged and entranced. Von Schleicher and associates manage to play with vulnerability in a way that full accepts the challenges it presents but also find a way to grow from those circumstances in a positive manner. On each recording Von Schleicher reaches new dimensions in her captivating songwriting and musical orchestrations that continue to grow and sharpen. Consummation is a record that reveals complex and heavy feelings in a way that breeds connection, providing an escape and work around for struggles with isolation and ugliness while accepting everything with open arms and refusing to hide in beautiful fashion.