NO CEREMONY/// have proven themselves to be a bit of an enigma. Intentional or not, there has been a shroud of mystery surrounding the band’s identity. We heard infectious dark, electronic pop with heart-breaking, gloomy vocals, and we liked it. But who was making this mesmerising music?
Our answer was pretty simple. James, Kelly and Victoria, from Manchester. No massive mystery, just three friends focused on making some great songs.
Releasing the album from their own label NOC///, and the use of block capitals and merging song names, all play a part in the band’s focused vision, and the further desire for all visual aspects to be as important as the music created. Which answers why they enjoy an excessive use of the forward slash. Simply because it looks kinda cool, doesn’t it?
Identities aside, the self-titled debut album from the northern trio certainly succeeds in answering those who want to know who NOCEREMONY /// are and what they’re all about.
Lost loves and despair are imperative to every song on the album, and the first track ‘HURTLOVE’, with melodic, chopped vocals and striking piano chords, embodies self-inflicted heartbreak. You don’t always need layers of different instruments to make a great track. In fact, it is the simplicity of this song, which makes it so striking and haunting. Following, the pensive ‘FEELSOLOW’ finds lead singer Victoria asking herself, “Is it wrong to make you love me?” It starts softly, and escalates into a full on floor-filler with sweeping synths and a building sense of urgency. ‘PARTOFME’ is laden with emotion, but also makes you really want to dance. Literal teardrops on the dancefloor.
Guest appearances come in the form of Pixies’ guitarist Joey Santiago, and James Vincent McMorrow. To hear the familiar, sharp guitar of Santiago amidst the abrasive, rough sounding ‘HEARTBREAKER’ is a pleasant touch, whilst McMorrow undoubtedly steals the show on ‘AWAYFROMHERE’: three minutes of echoing pianos and pleas for solidarity and safety. The end of the album notes a shift to a slower, softer side. ‘DELIVERUS’ and ‘HEAVYHOUR’ show another side to this band, stripped back, allowing us to see behind the immediate, gloomy façade.
NO CEREMONY/// takes the listener back to a more emotive period of electronic pop. However from listening, it is clear that the band draws influence from an eclectic mix of styles; everything from dark, electronic pop to acoustic folk can all be heard. But this is an album that doesn’t wish or ask to be defined. Nor does it want to let you completely in. It takes you to the limit of your emotions, and leaves you hanging. Whether this is ultimately good or not, it certainly accomplishes one thing. It will leave you wanting a whole lot more.
NO CEREMONY/// is out now via their own NOC/// label.
- Clare Povey
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