by Brett Abrahamsen
If one were forced to select David Tibet’s heir, Amy Rose Mills would undoubtedly be the logical pick. Her music is drenched in a dark yet paradisiac labyrinth of sound that recalls Tibet more than it does anyone else. Therefore it’s mildly ironic that one of the songs on her newest release takes aim at the Current 93 founder for seemingly blocking her on Instagram. In any case, I Think We’ve Met Before’s opener “I Heard You Call My Name” is an excellent recreation of Current 93 circa Island: the wealth of instruments create a darkly symphonic yet distinctly earthy cocoon.
“Catch Us Quick,” a duet with Couch Slut bandmate Theo Nobel, starts awkwardly but turns into a beguiling lullaby with the ear splitting noise around the two minute mark the best part of the song. “A Little Treat” starts out in a rather prosaic manner but quickly attains an ominous and breathtaking grandeur. The track is perhaps the album’s highlight. “222” recalls Ethel Cain at her most abstract. “The Mosquitoes Keep Multiplying” starts in a similar vein before morphing into a dark Americana dirge.
“Maybe i’ll see you in a year or 2” introduces a haunting vocal melody to accompany the usual plethora of string instruments, with jarring noises making an appearance later in the song. “I have a crush on you” is another dead ringer for Current 93. The spoken word diary entry approach seems weak at first but evocative images are soon introduced, and the circular riff is very intriguing. “Idumea,” another contender for the album’s standout, is a cryptic and eerie track; the tolling bells bringing to mind a monastery before the song ends in sheer cacophony. “Animalsounds.wav” mixes demented lyrics and fascinating mock orchestral sounds.
All in all, this is a fascinating album, one that could in time reveal itself to be a masterpiece. Mills stands as one of the 21st century’s greatest multi-instrumentalists, and this album steers far clear of any sort of pop temptation. It’s a unique work, and Mills’ virtuosity keeps the proceedings strange and foreboding throughout. This album is highly recommended for any fan of the obscure and ominous.