Drowning In Lethe (DIL) is a little known indie/screamo/emo band from Bothell, Washington that formed in the summer of 1999. I can't quite remember how I came across this band but I am so glad that I did! They have taken influence from acts such as Botch, The Locust, and the like. They stay true to the traditional screamo mold while still bringing something new to the table. Their sound is trade marked by the unique use of multiple vocalists (both screaming and singing) and the use (not overuse) of keyboards. The self titled album is only four tracks long but still manages to pack quite the punch. The first track "Lie Bearing Shroud" is the perfect album opener. In the first five seconds DIL gets there point across. A barrage of emotional screaming, twinkly guitar work and pounding drums attack the listener right off. The band then introduces keys and a "call and answer" vocal technique. The next track is "Fiction In My False Depiction." This track starts with really emphasizing the vocals while the guitar and drums kinda hang out in the shadows. When the instruments do kick in, they infuse random synth sounds to create a unique sound-scape. This kind of reminds me of The Locust (KIND OF). The track ends with an eerie guitar riff and the unique use of cymbals. The third track, "Sounds Of The Seductive Siren", begins like creepy elevator music without vocals and then after about ten seconds the song kicks in utilizing the same "call and answer" vocals and open airy drums. It eventually works it's way into this macabre sort of circus-cabaret music and finishes out with some neat drum work and chanting. The final track, "Backwards The Boreal Horizon", is a much more emotional song with more emphasis on singing. It starts with an amazing combination of piano and guitar and a clever use of the snare drum which hints at what is to come...war. Then the screamer comes in and the whole song is infused with piano melodies. This song specifically kind of reminds me of The Burning Room. The song eventually dwindles down to a lull and it's just the piano and drums and just when you get comfortable it picks up again. Drowning In Lethe definitely knew how to instill experimental tendencies into traditional screamo music. This 7" was released on Pictora Pilota records. It comes in really cool hand made packaging and, bonus, it's translucent yellow!
Link to some Drowning In Lethe tracks:
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=4FFEKRJT
Link to their Myspace:
http://www.myspace.com/drowninginlethe
Really cool blogspot that has a post about DIL:
http://hesheattle.blogspot.com/2009/01/drowning-in-lethe.html
-Jas
P.s. They were supposed to release a full length called Alpine Lakes Wilderness but it hasn't surfaced. If anyone has the the tracks send me a link please.
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