To these ears, Lacuna Coil's eponymous mini-album debut was a pleasant
suprise. Mixing Type O Negative-style gothic influences with the silkiest of
melodies, the Italian 5-piece demonstrated that they had the winning touch.
A year later, that potential is close to being realised.
Nine tracks long, "In a Reverie" retains the diversity of the mini-album,
and yet is blessed with more style and clarity. The vocal chemistry between
frontgal Cristina and her male cohort Andrea remains the core of LC's sound,
the former used almost as a lead instrument, and the latter's harmonies
providing a rich velvety sheen to the unpredictability of the music. Bearing
in mind that producer Waldemar Sorychta was responsible for the ethereal
nature of both albums, comparisons will surely be made between "...reverie"
and labelmates The Gathering's recent "How to measure a planet?", yet there
is no doubt that Lacuna Coil come from a heavier place altogether. Dense,
dark riffs and steel-girder rhythms are the order of the day.
Material wise, things are pretty consistent, but there are two very definite
highlights. Five songs in, "To myself I turned" begins with fragile guitars
and gradually escalates into a sublime, hypnotic groove. "Reverie",
meanwhile, mixes Metallica-style dynamics into Lacuna Coil's breathless
beauty. Cristina's vocalising on the latter is particularly inspired, and
although the tune actually lasts for over six minutes, it seems to fly by in
an instant. Always a good sign.
Lacuna Coil supported Moonspell here in the UK last year and are rumoured to be lined up for a couple of very interesting tours in the early part of 1999. If they get the luck, the world is their lobster. (7)- Dave Ling.