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WIVE: PVLL

Alt/Ambient/Art Rock

3.0/5.0

Exile on Mainstream Records
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by Craig Hartranft,  02.28.2011

Unwrapping and understanding WIVE and the ambient/art rock of their full-length debut PVLL is a problematic contemplation. WIVE was formed by drummer and programmer Matt Irwin and violinist Hannah Murray, after leaving another art rock band A Whisper in the Noise, and PVLL has been in the works since 2008. At once minimalist and complex, the texture of the music ranges from eerie to atmospheric to a disturbing melancholy. This is not happy or bright music; frankly it probably fits the somber and bitterness of its home: the frozen north country of Minnesota.

WIVE blends elements of the electronic, classical, ambient, and progressive in their arrangements for a suspicious homogeneous sound. Not that there isn't differences from song to song, but that eerie and mysterious ambient art rock is quite persuasive throughout. The vocals of Matt Irwin are challenging; he's not a very good singer. Even when tempered by the help of his wife Meghan, Irwin sounds assuredly morose. Murray's violin, however, is quite impressive and possibly the single factor that makes PVLL so mysterious, and entertaining.

While hardly my music of choice, WIVE'S PVLL is rather interesting. Interesting in the sense that it challenged me to listen several times before forming an honest opinion. However, I would suggest that you not listen to this disc if you are despondent or depressed (and taking medication for latter). PVLL may put you over the edge.

Note: All Amazon advertising in this review first benefits the artist, then Craig Hartranft also receives a residual. Click, and thanks for your support.

While hardly my music of choice, WIVE'S PVLL is rather interesting. Interesting in the sense that it challenged me to listen several times before forming an honest opinion.

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